NIST keys on crytography

Poorly managed keys can easily compromise the even the strongest cryptographic algorithms.

Draft Special Publication 800-57: Recommendation for Key Management (Part I)

National Institute of Standards and Technology officials have some advice for managing cryptographic keys.

NIST recently released a draft document, "Draft Special Publication 800-57: Recommendation for Key Management," that is now available on the agency's Web site for public review and comment.

Poorly managed keys can easily compromise even the strongest cryptographic algorithms, according to the document written for systems administrators and software developers.

The two-part document classifies cryptographic key types, their uses and the methods for protecting each type. It also addresses statutory security requirements.

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