Key Management

Key management refers to the administrative control over cryptographic keys, encompassing their generation, distribution, storage, rotation and deletion. This process ensures the secure handling and accessibility of keys used to encrypt and decrypt sensitive data, which is crucial for maintaining information integrity and confidentiality.  Key management is a critical component of the broader concept of secrets management, which also includes handling passwords, certificates, and API tokens. Effective Key management faces challenges such as:

1. Key Sprawl: Increasing number of keys as organizations grow.
2. Complexity: Diverse IT environments, including cloud and on-premises.
3. Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements for key usage.

Key Lifecycle Stages

The key management process includes:

1. Generation: Creating strong, unique keys using secure methods.
2. Distribution: Safely transferring keys to authorized systems or users.
3. Storage: Securely storing keys to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Rotation: Regularly changing keys to mitigate risks of compromise.
5. Deletion: Securely removing keys that are no longer needed.