What is Key Management?

Key management encompasses all the processes and infrastructure involved in managing cryptographic keys throughout their entire lifecycle. Proper key management is essential for maintaining the security of encrypted data and cryptographic operations.

Key Lifecycle

1. Generation

Use cryptographically secure random generators
Appropriate key length for algorithm
Hardware Security Modules (HSM) for sensitive keys

2. Storage

Encrypted at rest
Access controls
Separation from encrypted data
Secure backup procedures

3. Distribution

Secure channels
Key encryption keys (KEK)
Out-of-band verification
Certificate-based distribution

4. Usage

Access logging
Usage restrictions
Separation of duties

5. Rotation

Regular rotation schedules
Automated rotation where possible
Grace periods for transition

6. Revocation/Destruction

Secure deletion
Certificate revocation
Audit trail maintenance

Key Management Solutions

AWS KMS
Azure Key Vault
Google Cloud KMS
HashiCorp Vault
Hardware Security Modules (HSM)

Best Practices

Never hardcode keys in source code
Use secrets management tools
Implement least privilege access
Automate key rotation
Maintain comprehensive audit logs