About Lesson
Types of Keys and Their Management
Different types of cryptographic keys require different management strategies:
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Symmetric Keys:
- Used in symmetric encryption, where the same key encrypts and decrypts data.
- Symmetric keys must be shared securely to prevent interception.
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Public and Private Keys:
- Asymmetric encryption uses a public-private key pair.
- Public keys are distributed widely, while private keys must remain confidential.
- The security of the private key is crucial; if it is compromised, the entire system can be breached.
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Session Keys:
- Temporary keys generated for a single communication session.
- Used in protocols like TLS to provide ephemeral encryption.
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Master Keys:
- High-level keys used to derive other cryptographic keys.
- Often stored in secure hardware, such as an HSM.