Activating the Key Management System (KMS) before the Credential Management System (CMS) is essential because KMS provides the cryptographic keys required for securing the credentials stored and managed by the CMS. KMS is responsible for generating, storing, and managing encryption keys, which are crucial for protecting sensitive data.
For instance, when you store credentials in the CMS, these credentials need to be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. The encryption process relies on keys managed by KMS. Without activating KMS first, the CMS would not have access to these keys, making it impossible to encrypt and secure the credentials properly.
In the context of cloud services, platforms like Tencent Cloud offer integrated KMS and CMS solutions. Tencent Cloud's Key Management Service (KMS) allows you to create and manage encryption keys, while its Credential Management Service (CMS) uses these keys to securely store and manage your credentials. By activating KMS first, you ensure that the CMS can leverage the necessary encryption capabilities to protect your sensitive data effectively.