Any security system must have cryptographic keys. They handle everything, including user authentication and data encryption, and decryption. Any compromised cryptographic key could cause an organization’s entire security infrastructure to collapse, giving the attacker access to other repositories of classified information or the ability to decrypt sensitive data. Fortunately, efficient management of keys and the components that go with them may guarantee the security of sensitive data. Besides this, CMMC security regulations also ensure your data is safe from cybercriminals.
The generation, transfer, retention, removal, and renewal of keys are key management aspects. Key management is implementing rules to guarantee the safety of cryptographic keys within an organization.
Types of Cryptographic keys
Based on how they are used, cryptographic keys are divided into several types. Let’s discuss a few of these types:
Chief Key
Only other secondary encryption keys that employ the master key are encrypted. The master key’s length will typically range from 128 to 256 bits, based on the algorithm used. It always stays in a secure location within the cryptographic facility (such as a hardware security module).
The key for key encryption (KEK)
To guarantee a secret key’s secrecy, authenticity, and validity, it must be “wrapped” with KEK keys before being used for data encryption. The “key wrapping key” or “key transport key” are other names for the KEK.
The Data Encryption Key (DEK)Data encryption techniques can use symmetric or asymmetric keys, depending on the situation and requirements and CMMC regulation. AES keys with a key length of 128–256 bits are commonly utilized in the event of symmetric key encryption. The RSA
algorithm typically uses asymmetric keys with key lengths between 1024 and 4096 bits. To put it simply, data encryption keys are used to encrypt data.
Root Secrets
The Root Key, which is used to verify and sign electronic certificates, is the essential key in your PKI hierarchy. Generally speaking, the Root Key lasts longer than other keys in the structure. The private half of the root key pair is safely kept in a hardware security module that complies with FIPS-140-2 level 3.
Key length and algorithm
To protect your cryptography ecosystem, picking the appropriate key size and technique is crucial. The used key algorithm must be compatible with the key length of the keys. The key length for each key, symmetric or asymmetric, is determined by several parameters, including:
- The primary algorithm in use
- The necessary level of security.
- The volume of information being processed with the key (e.g., bulk data)
- The key’s cryptographic period
Importance of Key Management
All data security is based on key management. Since encryption keys are used to encrypt and decrypt data, any loss or exposure of an encryption key renders the data security mechanisms useless. Additionally, keys guarantee secure data transmission via an Internet connection. Attackers may pose as a reliable providers like Microsoft using authentication techniques like code signing while infecting victims with malware if they obtain a weakly secured key. To guarantee that businesses employ best practices when securing cryptographic keys, keys must adhere to particular standards and legislation. Only users who need them should have access to well-protected keys.
Systems for managing keys are frequently employed to make sure that the keys are:
- According to the necessary algorithm and key length
- Ably guarded
- Only authorized users are in charge of it and have access to it
- Rotating frequently
- When no longer required, deleted
- Periodically audited for their usage
