Encryption key management software is used to handle the administration, distribution, and storage of encryption keys. Proper management will ensure encryption keys, and therefore the encryption and decryption of their sensitive information, are only accessible for approved parties. IT and security professionals use these solutions to ensure access to highly sensitive information remains secured.
Encryption key management software also provides tools to protect the keys in storage, as well as backup functionality to prevent data loss. Additionally, encryption key management software includes functionality to securely distribute keys to approved parties and enforce policies related to key sharing.
Certain general encryption software provide key management capabilities. Still, those solutions will only provide limited features for key management, distribution, and policy enforcement.
To qualify for inclusion in the Encryption Key Management category, a product must:
Provide compliance management capabilities for encryption keys
Include key storage and backup functionality
Enforce security policies related to key storage and distribution