Key rotation is the process of regularly updating cryptographic keys to enhance security by reducing the risk of key compromise. Best practices for key rotation include:
Establish a Rotation Schedule – Define a clear timeline for rotating keys (e.g., every 90 days, annually) based on the sensitivity of the data and regulatory requirements.
Example: A financial service rotates encryption keys every 60 days to comply with PCI DSS standards.
Automate Key Rotation – Use automated tools or services to rotate keys without manual intervention, minimizing human error and downtime.
Example: Tencent Cloud KMS (Key Management Service) supports automatic key rotation, ensuring cryptographic keys are regularly updated without manual effort.
Use Versioning & Backward Compatibility – Maintain previous key versions to decrypt old data while using the new key for new encryptions.
Example: When rotating a database encryption key, ensure the system can still decrypt data encrypted with the old key until all records are re-encrypted.
Monitor & Audit Key Usage – Track key access and rotation events to detect unauthorized usage or failed rotations.
Example: Tencent Cloud CloudAudit logs all key management activities, helping identify suspicious access patterns.
Test Rotation Processes – Validate key rotation in a staging environment before deploying to production to avoid service disruptions.
Example: Before rotating API keys in a live app, test the process in a sandbox to ensure apps seamlessly switch to the new key.
Follow Least Privilege Principles – Restrict access to keys to only authorized personnel or services, reducing the attack surface.
Example: Tencent Cloud CAM (Cloud Access Management) ensures only specific roles can initiate or approve key rotations.
For secure key management, Tencent Cloud KMS provides automated rotation, centralized control, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR and HIPAA.