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When to use public or private encryption keys?
Asymmetric, or public/private encryption, uses a pair of keys. Data encrypted with one key are decrypted only with the other key in the public/private key pair. When an asymmetric key pair is generated, the public key is typically used to encrypt, and the private key is typically used to decrypt.
Do you need a key for symmetric encryption?
The symmetric encryption classes supplied by the .NET Framework require a key and a new initialization vector (IV) to encrypt and decrypt data. Whenever you create a new instance of one of the managed symmetric cryptographic classes using the parameterless constructor, a new key and IV are automatically created.
Which is the best description of an encryption key?
An encryption key is typically a random string of bits generated specifically to scramble and unscramble data. Encryption keys are created with algorithms designed to ensure that each key is unique and unpredictable. The longer the key constructed this way, the harder it is to break the encryption code.
Is it safe to send encryption key without encrypting it?
Sending the key across an insecure network without encrypting it is unsafe, because anyone who intercepts the key and IV can then decrypt your data. The following example shows the creation of a new instance of the default implementation class for the Aes algorithm.
What happens to the encryption key when it is deleted?
Once the data has been decrypted by the old key, it will be encrypted by the new key, and over time the old key will no longer be used to encrypt/decrypt data and can be deleted. (see graphic below) See below for a more thorough understanding of a keys full life-cycle. The encryption key is created and stored on the key management server.
How can an administrator revoke an encryption key?
An administrator should be able to use the key manager to revoke a key so that it is no longer used for encryption and decryption requests. A revoked key can, if needed, be reactivated by an administrator so that, In certain cases the key can be used to decrypt data previously encrypted with it, like old backups.
How is the Microsoft service master key encrypted?
The SMK is encrypted by using the local machine key using the Windows Data Protection API (DPAPI). The DPAPI uses a key that is derived from the Windows credentials of the SQL Server service account and the computer’s credentials.