A key management system (KMS) is a service or appliance that generates, stores, rotates, distributes and revokes cryptographic keys over their full lifecycle. It enforces access policies and isolates key material, often backed by hardware security modules, so that applications can perform cryptographic operations without directly handling private keys. A KMS is foundational to secure identity, encryption and digital-asset custody.
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- Core functions include secure generation, hardware-backed storage, controlled distribution, scheduled rotation, and auditable revocation. Strong KMS implementations separate duties, log all key operations and meet standards such as FIPS 140 and KMIP, providing the trust anchor on which encryption, signing and authentication ultimately depend.