Encryption Key Management
Key Management Importance
Encryption security depends on key protection—compromised keys render encryption useless. Effective key management encompasses generation, distribution, storage, rotation, backup, destruction, and audit throughout key lifecycles.
Key Lifecycle
Key lifecycle includes generation using cryptographically secure methods, distribution through secure channels, storage in hardware security modules (HSMs) or key management services, rotation at regular intervals, and secure destruction when expired.
Key Management Solutions
Solutions include on-premises HSMs for maximum control, cloud KMS (AWS KMS, Azure Key Vault, GCP KMS) for scalability, and hybrid approaches. Features include centralized management, access controls, audit logging, and automatic rotation.
Best Practices
Separate data encryption keys (DEKs) from key encryption keys (KEKs), implement key rotation, maintain key backups for disaster recovery, enforce least privilege for key access, use HSMs for critical keys, and maintain comprehensive key audit trails.
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance frameworks mandate key management controls: FIPS 140-2 validation for cryptographic modules, key separation, rotation requirements, and audit trails. Cloud KMS services often provide compliance certifications simplifying regulatory adherence.
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