Fundamentals of key management

Effective data security is built on the foundation of key management also known as KMS. It is the process of administering or managing cryptographic keys. A critical feature of any KMS is its capacity to handle keys systematically throughout its lifecycle: key generation, key import/export, key distribution, key usage, key update, key backup, key revocation, and key deletion. Data is encrypted and decrypted using encryption keys, therefore the loss or compromise of any encryption key renders the data protection. It also ensures the safe transmission of data across an internet connection and not just includes access control but also monitoring and logging of each key's access, use, and context.

Key management deals with numerous types of security risks beyond encryption, such as people and incorrect policies, cyber attacks and data theft on networks. It is one of the most difficult components of cryptography. It also entails developing a system policy, user training, interdepartmental collaboration, and effective coordination.

In large corporations all members have access to the company data, therefore security is a major concern. The solution is a multicast group key management system that securely distributes individual keys to each member. In this way, material encrypted with a single group member's key can only be accessed and read by that group member.

Key Management also includes controls to guarantee that keys are only accessible to authorised personnel and systems, that they are only used for their intended purposes, and that all key activities are logged for audit and compliance purposes.

For security and compliance, proper key management is essential. You'll be able to decide who has access to what sections of your data. It also prevents the loss of keys that aren't in use. Due to record-keeping, you will know when keys are taken out and what places have been accessed and when. AxCrypt has a number of characteristics that make it a good key management solution.

Key sharing

Key sharing is a feature that allows you to keep your data secure while also sharing it with your colleagues. It enables you to collaborate and connect with other members without jeopardising the confidentiality of your data. Using AxCrypt's key sharing function you can give anyone data access and withdraw it whenever you want; you don't even have to disclose your own password. With their own password, the other user can access the shared files. For more info on AxCrypt key sharing check our key sharing tutorial on You Tube for a better understanding of AxCrypt's key sharing capability.

Master key

Master Key is highly secure, it can be viewed as an automatic sharing of files with the administrators of the business. It allows business managers to recover files from other members of the company. This avoids the possibility of losing vital files. No documents will ever be lost owing to employees quitting or forgetting the passwords as long as the company administrators keep track of the credentials. Master key feature is only available for business users. Click here to check more business subscription features. Read more about AxCrypt's master key feature here.