keycentric

Keycentric is a term used to describe a design and security paradigm that places cryptographic keys at the center of a system’s security model. In a key-centric approach, the security architecture, policies, and operations are oriented around the creation, protection, lifecycle management, and controlled use of cryptographic keys. Data is typically encrypted with keys that themselves are protected by hardware-backed secure storage, and access to plaintext data depends on possessing valid keys or derived key material.

Core concepts include a hierarchical key structure (root or master keys, domain keys, and per-application or per-user keys), formal key management practices, and strong policies for key rotation, revocation, backup, and recovery. Hardware security modules (HSMs) or secure enclaves are commonly used to protect keys, while encryption uses envelope techniques to minimize key exposure.

Applications of key-centric security include cloud storage encryption, database encryption, email and communication encryption, and sensitive data protection in regulated industries. It often complements other security models such as zero trust and data-centric security by providing the cryptographic backbone for access control and auditing.

Advantages of a key-centric approach include centralized control over data encryption keys, improved ability to enforce access policies, and clearer audit trails for key usage. Challenges involve managing key lifecycles at scale, ensuring availability and key recovery, avoiding key loss, and meeting compliance requirements such as FIPS 140-2/3.

Related terms include key management, envelope encryption, and cryptographic agility. The term is used in information security discussions to describe emphasis on keys as the primary asset in protecting data.