What is the best way to manage secure key distribution?

1 Symmetric and asymmetric encryption

One of the basic distinctions in cryptography is between symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses different keys for each operation. Symmetric encryption is faster and simpler, but it requires that the key is shared securely between the parties involved. Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key encryption, allows each party to have a pair of keys: a public key that can be shared with anyone, and a private key that must be kept secret. Asymmetric encryption enables secure communication without prior key exchange, but it is slower and more complex than symmetric encryption.

2 Key agreement protocols

Key agreement protocols are methods to establish a shared secret key between two or more parties over an insecure channel, using asymmetric encryption or other cryptographic techniques. For example, the Diffie-Hellman protocol allows two parties to generate a common key by exchanging public values derived from their private keys, without revealing their private keys to each other or to an eavesdropper. Key agreement protocols can be used to initiate secure communication or to negotiate session keys for symmetric encryption.

3 Key management systems

Key management systems are software or hardware solutions that provide centralized or distributed control over the generation, storage, distribution, revocation, and rotation of cryptographic keys. Key management systems can help simplify and automate the key lifecycle, enforce policies and standards, audit and monitor key usage, and protect keys from unauthorized access or loss. Key management systems can also integrate with other security tools and platforms, such as encryption software, authentication systems, cloud services, and applications.

4 Public key infrastructures

Public key infrastructures are frameworks that support the use of asymmetric encryption and digital signatures in a large-scale and distributed environment. Public key infrastructures consist of several components, such as certificate authorities, registration authorities, directories, and policies, that provide the functions of issuing, verifying, distributing, and revoking digital certificates. Digital certificates are electronic documents that bind a public key to an identity or a domain, and provide a way to authenticate and trust the parties involved in a communication. Public key infrastructures can enable secure and scalable key distribution for various applications, such as email encryption, web security, VPNs, and electronic transactions.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?