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Key Production Key (KPK)
What is a A Key Production Key (KPK)?
What is a A Key Production Key (KPK)?A Key Production Key (KPK) is a secret key used to initialize a keystream generator for the production of other electronically generated keys. In essence, it’s a master key that can be used to create a large number of individual keys. This process is often used in secure communication systems and other applications where many keys are needed, such as in ISMS (Information Security Management Systems).
Definition
Key used to initialize a keystream generator for the production of other electronically generated key.
SOURCE: CNSSI-4009
SOURCE: CNSSI-4009
Here’s more detail:
- Initialization: The KPK is used to start the keystream generator, which is a mechanism for producing a stream of bits that can be used as individual keys.
- Key Derivation: Once the keystream generator is initialized, it can produce a series of keys, all derived from the original KPK.
- Purpose: This method is efficient for generating a large number of keys, especially when the keys need to be short-lived or rotated regularly.
- Security: The security of the entire system relies on the secrecy of the KPK. If compromised, all derived keys could be vulnerable.
Many Keys can be generated. If an HSM is configured, that Key Encryption Key (KEK) is generated by the HSM (hardware master key). A Software Master Key is used to encrypt all keys in the database. The DEKs are encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption.
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