In the previous chapter we have learned about cryptographic key generation now in this chapter we are going to discuss about the key storage.

Cryptography keys are similar to secret passwords that are used to lock and unlock private data. These keys are used to encrypt data and messages so that only the intended receiver can decrypt and read them when they are sent securely. The act of storing these keys so that only authorised users can access them safely is known as key storage.

Keep your keys in a safe place

The security of your keys depends on where you keep them. Your keys should be kept in a location with limited access, robust encryption, and isolation from the data they are meant to secure. Among the alternatives are encrypted files or databases, cloud key management services (KMSs), and hardware security modules (HSMs). Additionally, you need to frequently backup your keys and store them somewhere different in case they get lost or damaged.

Key Storage Importance

The encrypted data is accessible if your keys are stolen by an unauthorised person. Thus, protecting your keys is important for ensuring the integrity and security of your data.

It is becoming more and more important to ensure good key management as the use of PKI-based solutions increases. Now let”s examine some other approaches of storing cryptographic keys −

Certificate/Key Stores for Operating Systems and Browsers

• Mac OS Keychain and Windows Certificate Store are two examples.

• These are locally stored public/private key pairs that are software-based databases included in operating systems and browsers.

• Widely used for their simple user interface and easy programme interaction.

• Offers customisation, including the ability to enable backups and robust private key protection.

• Potential vulnerabilities in even with non-exportability settings and the requirement for robust password security are taken into account.

• Suitable with programmes like client authentication, SSL certificates for web servers, and digital signing.

Files with .pfx and.jks (Keystores)

• Keypairs are stored in password-protected files using formats like PKCS#12 (.pfx or.p12) and.jks (Java KeyStore).

• These files allow you to store them anywhere, even on remote servers.

• Use precaution when limiting access to these files and make sure your passwords are strong.

• Suitable for uses like secure communications with government services and code signing.

Cryptographic Smart Cards and Tokens

• By keeping private keys on hardware and rendering them non-exportable, we can boost security.

• Increase security by requiring password authentication for every use.

• Enable safe operation on several computers without the need for duplicate keys.

• Usually used for client authentication, code signing, and document signing.

• The introduction of cryptographic hardware is sometimes driven by compliance requirements, like FIPS.

HSM (Hardware Security Modules)

• Offer automated workflows and hardware-based key storage.

• Conventional HSMs are physical appliances; similar benefits can be achieved with cloud-based solutions like Microsoft Azure”s Key Vault.

• Helpful for achieving regulatory requirements and signing large volumes of documents or codes.

• Able to provide additional features like unique signing identities and be connected with public CAs.

Future−Generation Key Storage Techniques

The primary storage solutions that were just covered are a little bit conventional and have been around for a while. Key storage is not immune to the Internet of Things” influence, and new solutions are being created in line with this, just like everything else in the field of information security.

PKI-based solutions are becoming more and more popular among developers and manufacturers as more devices come online and require secure communication and authentication. This has resulted in new requirements, technologies, and considerations for private key protection. We have seen the two trends listed below.

TPM (Trusted Platform Modules)

Although TPMs are not new in and of themselves, using them to protect private keys is becoming more and more common. The root key can be protected and additional keys generated by an application can be stored (or wrapped) in a TPM. This is a highly helpful authentication technique for endpoints like laptops, servers, and IoT device manufacturers, since the application keys are not usable without the TPM. Even though TPMs are already standard on a lot of laptops, we have not seen much use of them in the enterprise market. However, they are widely used in the Internet of Things (IoT) as a hardware root of trust for secure device identity.

PUF (Physically Unclonable Functions)

The technology known as Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) is a paradigm change in key protection. Keys are not kept in storage, where they might be physically attacked, but are generated from specific physical characteristics of a chip”s SRAM memory and are only present when the device is powered on. That is, the private key can be repeatedly created (for the duration of the device) on demand, instead of being safely stored. These are guaranteed to be unique because they make use of the natural randomness in silicon bit patterns and an SRAM-based PUF.

When combined with a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), PUF technology offers an appealing answer to the market”s need for ultra-secure key protection that is affordable and simple to implement. When combined with PKI, PUF offers a complete identity solution.

A Compromised Key: What Happens?

Any information that a key is protecting may be compromised if it has been hacked (that is, lost, stolen, or broken). This may result in illegal financial transactions or the disclosure of confidential or private information, and other sensitive or valuable data. This can therefore have a negative impact on an organization”s reputation, result in penalties, and ultimately lower the company”s worth or possibly force it out of existence. Because of this, keys need to be handled with the same consideration as the object they are meant to secure.

It is essential to quickly revoke and replace a compromised key and conduct an investigation to determine the severity of the harm caused and the system behind the compromise in order to prevent another incident from occurring.