Cloud Key Management Service
Cloud Key Management Service (KMS) is a managed service provided by cloud providers (e.g., AWS KMS, Azure Key Vault, Google Cloud KMS) that enables users to create, manage, and control cryptographic keys for encrypting data and securing applications in the cloud. It offers centralized key management, hardware security module (HSM) protection, and integration with other cloud services for seamless encryption workflows. KMS helps organizations meet compliance requirements by providing audit trails, access controls, and key lifecycle management.
Developers should use Cloud KMS when building applications that require secure data encryption, such as storing sensitive information (e.g., passwords, financial data) in databases or protecting data in transit. It is essential for compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, as it simplifies key management and reduces the risk of key exposure compared to self-managed solutions. Use cases include encrypting data at rest in cloud storage (e.g., S3 buckets), managing SSL/TLS certificates, and implementing digital signatures for authentication.