Key Generation

The lifecycle begins with the generation of cryptographic keys. This process must ensure that keys are created using secure and compliant methods, guaranteeing their strength and randomness. Proper key generation is the foundation of a secure key management system, as it determines the overall resilience of the encryption and authentication mechanisms.

Effectively managing cryptographic keys begins with secure generation and distribution practices. These initial steps are critical in establishing a strong foundation for the keys' lifecycle and ensuring digital asset security. Here, we discuss the best practices for generating and distributing cryptographic keys.

Best Practices

1. Use strong Random Number Generators (RNGs): The strength of cryptographic keys lies in their randomness. Use cryptographically secure pseudo-random number generators (CSPRNGs) designed to produce computationally infeasible output to predict. Some tools include modules and libraries with solid RNG. For industry standards, you can check FIPS-140-X for algorithms and best practices. These standards get updated regularly, so always check for the latest versions.
2. Adhere to industry standards and algorithms: Follow current industry standards and recommendations (such as NIST) for generation algorithms and key lengths to ensure the cryptographic strength of your keys.
3. Secure the key generation environment: Ensure the environment where keys are generated is secure from unauthorised access and tamper-resistant. This can involve using a Hardware Security Module (HSM), which provides a secure and tamper-proof environment for key generation, storage, and management.
4. Validate key generation parameters: Before deploying keys, validate all parameters involved in the generation process. This includes verifying the randomness source and algorithm configurations and ensuring the key length is appropriate for the intended cryptographic use.

Use Cases

• Bastion host

Use Case 2: Generating Keys Directly in Secure Storage Solutions

For example, Azure Key Vault and HashiCorp Vault offer secure, managed environments for key generation, encryption, and key management. Users benefit from built-in security and compliance features by generating keys directly within these tools, reducing the risk of key exposure during generation and storage.

Common Practices

• Direct generation: Keys are generated directly within the secure enclave of the vault, ensuring that the keys are never exposed outside the secure storage environment. This method effectively prevents the keys from being intercepted or leaked.
• Compliance and standards: Azure Key Vault and HashiCorp Vault comply with various security standards and regulations, ensuring that key generation meets industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Automated rotation and management: These tools often include features for automated key rotation and lifecycle management.