What are the key elements of encryption key management in Cloud Computing?

2 Encryption key lifecycle

The encryption key lifecycle refers to the stages that a key goes through from creation to destruction. It includes key generation, distribution, usage, rotation, backup, recovery, and deletion. Each stage involves different security risks and best practices. For example, key generation should use a strong random number generator, key distribution should use secure channels and protocols, key usage should follow the principle of least privilege, key rotation should be done periodically or based on events, key backup should use encrypted storage and multiple locations, key recovery should use authentication and audit mechanisms, and key deletion should use secure erasure methods.

3 Encryption key storage

The encryption key storage refers to the location and method of storing encryption keys in the cloud. There are three main options: cloud provider storage, customer storage, and third-party storage. Cloud provider storage means that the cloud provider manages and stores the encryption keys for the customer, which is convenient and scalable, but also reduces the customer's control and visibility. Customer storage means that the customer manages and stores the encryption keys on their own premises or devices, which is more secure and compliant, but also more complex and costly. Third-party storage means that the customer uses a separate service or platform to manage and store the encryption keys in the cloud, which is a hybrid solution that offers more flexibility and functionality, but also introduces another dependency and potential vulnerability.

4 Encryption key access

The encryption key access refers to the process and policies of granting and revoking access to encryption keys in the cloud. It involves authentication, authorization, encryption, logging, and auditing mechanisms. Authentication verifies the identity of the user or application that requests access to the encryption key, using methods such as passwords, tokens, certificates, or biometrics. Authorization determines the level and scope of access that the user or application has to the encryption key, using methods such as roles, rules, or attributes. Encryption protects the encryption key from being exposed or tampered with during transit or at rest, using methods such as SSL/TLS, AES, or RSA. Logging records the activities and events related to the encryption key access, using methods such as timestamps, signatures, or hashes. Auditing monitors and analyzes the encryption key access logs, using methods such as alerts, reports, or analytics.

5 Encryption key governance

The encryption key governance refers to the framework and standards of managing encryption keys in the cloud. It involves policies, procedures, guidelines, and best practices that define the roles, responsibilities, objectives, and metrics of encryption key management. It also involves compliance, risk, and quality management that ensure the encryption key management meets the legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, as well as the business and customer expectations. Encryption key governance should be aligned with the organization's overall cloud security strategy and governance, and should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the changes and challenges in the cloud environment.

6 Encryption key tools

The encryption key tools refer to the software and hardware solutions that enable and support encryption key management in the cloud. They include cloud native tools, cloud agnostic tools, and cloud hybrid tools. Cloud native tools are provided by the cloud provider as part of their cloud services, such as AWS Key Management Service (KMS), Azure Key Vault, or Google Cloud Key Management Service (KMS). They are easy to use and integrate, but may have limited functionality and compatibility. Cloud agnostic tools are independent from the cloud provider and can work with multiple cloud platforms, such as HashiCorp Vault, Thales CipherTrust, or IBM Key Protect. They are more versatile and customizable, but may have higher cost and complexity. Cloud hybrid tools are a combination of cloud native and cloud agnostic tools, such as AWS CloudHSM, Azure Dedicated HSM, or Google Cloud External Key Manager (EKM). They are more secure and compliant, but may have lower performance and scalability.

7 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?