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Key Management

What is Key Management?

The administration of cryptographic keys in a cryptosystem, including generation, exchange, storage, use, destruction, and replacement of keys. Proper key management is essential for maintaining the security of encrypted data.

Information Security

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as key management. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on key management

Requirements naming key management across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

Give cloud customers the means to manage the encryption keys that protect their own data.

CCM-CEK-08 · CSC Key Management Capability
PCI DSS 4.09 controls

If disk-level or partition-level encryption is used, cryptographic keys are managed in accordance with Requirements 3.6 and 3.7.

3.5.1.3 · Disk-level encryption key management

Document and implement an enterprise cryptographic key management standard covering the key lifecycle, with keys generated, distributed and stored in a secured key vault service and rotated on a defined schedule.

ASBv3-DP-6 · Use a secure key management process
C5 (Germany)2 controls

Maintain and issue encryption and key management policies that mandate state-of-the-art algorithms and network protocols, tie encryption strength to the information classification scheme, cover the full key lifecycle, and reflect applicable legal obligations.

C5-CRY-01 · Policy for the use of encryption procedures and key management

Cryptographic standards approve algorithms and key strengths with centralized key management, rotation, and HSM use for sensitive keys.

IS-IV.F.1 · Encryption Standards and Key Management

Manage cryptographic keys and certificates across their lifecycle for power system applications.

IEC62351-9 · Cybersecurity Key Management

Questions people ask about key management

What is Key Management?
The administration of cryptographic keys in a cryptosystem, including generation, exchange, storage, use, destruction, and replacement of keys. Proper key management is essential for maintaining the security of encrypted data.
Why is Key Management important for compliance?
Key Management is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding key management helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Key Management?
Key Management appears in the requirement text of Cloud Security Alliance Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) v4.0.1, PCI DSS 4.0, Azure Security Benchmark, C5 (Germany), FFIEC IT Examination Handbook. Across these standards we have identified 27 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Key Management?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how key management applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Key Management applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.