Backupnøkkel

Backupnøkkel, or backup key, is a secondary cryptographic key intended to restore access to encrypted data, services, or accounts when the primary key is lost, damaged, or compromised. It is a separate artifact from the main credentials and is typically safeguarded in a secure and controlled manner to prevent unauthorized use.

Common use cases include recovery keys for disk encryption technologies such as BitLocker or FileVault, service recovery keys for cloud accounts and enterprise systems, hardware security keys used as fallbacks for authentication, and seed phrases used to recover cryptocurrency wallets or other crypto-based access tools.

Best practices for creating and storing a backup key involve generating it in a trusted environment, keeping its physical or digital copies offline, encrypting any digital backups, and maintaining clear labeling with version and date. Organizations often split copies across multiple secure locations and implement access controls, audit trails, and a documented recovery process. Regular testing of recovery procedures helps ensure that the backup key functions when needed.

Key management considerations include protection against theft or loss, routine rotation or revocation if a key is compromised, and ensuring compatibility with relevant systems. Some approaches use distributed backups or Shamir's Secret Sharing to reduce the risk of a single point of failure.

While a backup key enhances resilience, it also introduces risk if mishandled. Therefore, policies should balance availability with security, limit access to trusted personnel, and review storage arrangements periodically as part of a broader data protection and disaster recovery plan.