Encryption Key Management System

An Encryption Key Management System is a key management system that handles cryptographic key lifecycle including key generation, key distribution, key rotation, and key retirement.

• AKA: Cryptographic Key Management System, Key Management Service, KMS, Enterprise Key Management System.
• Context:
  • It can typically generate Cryptographic Keys using hardware random number generators or cryptographically secure pseudorandom number generators.
  • It can typically store Master Keys in hardware security modules or secure enclaves.
  • It can typically distribute Data Encryption Keys through key encryption key hierarchies.
  • It can typically rotate Encryption Keys based on time-based policies or usage-based policies.
  • It can typically archive Historical Keys for data recovery and compliance requirements.
  • ...
  • It can often enforce Key Access Policies through role-based access control.
  • It can often provide Key Escrow Services for emergency recovery scenarios.
  • It can often support Multi-Tenant Key Isolation in cloud environments.
  • It can often enable Bring Your Own Key for customer-managed encryption.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Software-Based Encryption Key Management System to being a Hardware-Based Encryption Key Management System, depending on its key storage mechanism.
  • It can range from being a Centralized Encryption Key Management System to being a Distributed Encryption Key Management System, depending on its architectural topology.
  • ...
  • It can support Hybrid Encryption Systems through key hierarchy management.
  • It can enable AES-256 Encryption Algorithms via symmetric key provisioning.
  • It can integrate with RSA-2048 Encryption Algorithms for asymmetric key operations.
  • It can complement Zero-Trust AI System Security Architectures with dynamic key management.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Cloud Provider Encryption Key Management Systems, such as:
    • AWS Key Management Service providing envelope encryption and customer master keys.
    • Azure Key Vault offering HSM-backed keys and secret management.
    • Google Cloud KMS implementing external key manager and cloud HSM.
  • Enterprise Encryption Key Management Systems, such as:
    • Thales CipherTrust Manager for multi-cloud key management.
    • Entrust KeyControl providing KMIP-compliant key management.
    • Vormetric Data Security Manager for encryption key orchestration.
  • Open Source Encryption Key Management Systems, such as:
    • HashiCorp Vault offering dynamic secrets and encryption as a service.
    • Barbican OpenStack Key Manager for cloud infrastructure key management.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Password Manager, which stores user credentials rather than cryptographic keys.
  • Certificate Authority, which issues digital certificates without key lifecycle management.
  • Encryption Software, which uses encryption keys without key management capability.
• See: Hardware Security Module, Key Encryption Key, FIPS 140-2 Standard, Hybrid Encryption System, Public Key Infrastructure, Encryption Performance Optimization Strategy, Cloud Security Architecture.

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