Schlüsselauflösung

Schlüsselauflösung refers to the process of deriving a secret key from a master key or a key derivation function in cryptography. This is a crucial step in ensuring the security of communication and data storage. In many systems, a master key is established and then used to generate session keys or other specialized keys for specific purposes. This avoids the need to transmit or manage numerous individual secret keys, simplifying key management while maintaining security.

Key derivation functions (KDFs) are a common method for Schlüsselauflösung. These functions take an input, such as a password or a master key, and produce a cryptographically strong output key. KDFs are designed to be computationally intensive, making it difficult for attackers to guess or brute-force the derived keys. Examples of KDFs include PBKDF2, bcrypt, and scrypt, often used in password hashing and key establishment protocols. The principle behind Schlüsselauflösung is to create unique, strong keys for individual operations or sessions, derived from a single, more securely managed master secret. This separation of concerns enhances overall security by limiting the impact of a compromised individual key.