Key management relates to the administration of cryptographic keys in a cryptosystem. It incorporates dealing with the generation, exchange, storage, use, crypto-shredding (destruction), and keys replacement. In addition, it has a cryptographic protocol design, user procedures, key servers, and other related protocols.
Key management involves keys at the user level, either among users or systems. In contrast to key scheduling, which typically leads to the internal handling of keys within the development of a cipher.
Successful key management is significant to the security of a cryptosystem. Cryptography is the more challenging side because it incorporates aspects of social engineering like user training, organizational and departmental interactions, system policy, and coordination between all of these elements, in opposition to pure analytical practices that can be automated.
There are various key management systems available on the market, and several competing providers make related claims. To help supervise the outlining and buying process and gain wise choices, Key Tracer has drawn its 10+ years of industry expertise with the questions user’s asked to create the best systems guide. If you’re contemplating buying a key control system for the primary time or looking to improve your current system, there are policies that you need to have in mind. Let’s check this out.
Examples of Key Management Software
KeyTrak: The electronic key and asset management systems have improved businesses’ comprehensive enhance the security of the operations while promoting productivity and diminishing costs. Understand the distinction is in the circumstances, so they take single-source responsibility for all products.
WebTMA: A robust software solution for training facilities and assets that incorporate features and functionality to control the people who maintain them and the parts and materials that support them. TMA offers support with world-class process consulting, training, implementation, and customer support. WebTMA was acquired based on input from more than 140,000 users that maintain more than 55,000 facilities. Industries we serve are education, public, corporate, and healthcare.
KeyNest: Modern App to track your keys, wherever they are, using custom-branded smart keyfobs. It offers support with world-class process consulting, training, implementation, and customer support.
Advantages of Key Management Software
- Key management compliance relates to the mistake, conviction, and capability of demonstrating that keys are securely handled. It comprises the following individual compliance domains:
- Physical security is the most visible compliance form, including locked access to secure system accessories and surveillance cameras. These permissions can prevent unauthorized access to printed copies of key material and computer systems that run crucial management software.
- Rational security guards the organization against the theft or unauthorized introduction of information. The management of cryptographic keys appears by encrypting data, which is then delivered counterproductive to those who do not have the code to decrypt it.
- Personnel security includes assigning specific roles or opportunities to personnel to locate information on a strict need-to-know basis. In addition, background checks should be performed on new employees and periodic role changes to ensure security.
Features of Key Management Software
- Outline objections and fixed goals: The primary step is to outline your requests and goals. Highlighting special needs will improve to find the right system, while systems will support measuring the system’s progress.
- Intelligent project planning: Identify all access points and installed locks, think about your day-to-day transactions and how your key management system should operate with them. Document security procedures and map out strategies that need to be arranged with an automated key management system or that want to be improved. Intelligent project planning allows you to effectively decide how to secure certain areas or facilities with electronic key management solutions.
- Reliability: Ensure the key management systems are durable and reliable. Know which questions to ask about the technology used in the system to track keys and how it helps restrict access to keys. These essential facets will define how the system audits information and how it helps eliminate key loss and theft. It would be higher if you also asked about maintenance required, replacement, or repair costs.
- Anticipate total cost: Be wary of price comparisons, as they only show the upfront cost, whereas the actual cost includes all expenses over the lifetime of the key management system, such as maintenance, licensing, and upgrading hardware and software.
- Ask about customization: Customizing your system to allow it to work to your requirements is a significant aspect, so ensure that reports can be set up in a way that works for you. Know the limitations of the applications you will be using and how they may integrate with your existing systems.
Challenges for Key Management Software
Various challenges IT organizations encounter when trying to control and maintain their encryption keys are:
- Scalability: Running a high number of encryption keys.
- Governance: Determining policy-driven access control and security for data. Administration involves compliance with data protection provisions.
- Availability: Securing data convenience for authorized users.
- Security: Vulnerability of keys from external hackers, wicked insiders.
- Heterogeneity: Maintaining multiple databases, relationships, and standards.