Key Management Service
Key Management Service (KMS) is a cloud-based service that provides centralized management and secure storage of cryptographic keys used for data encryption and decryption. It enables organizations to create, control, and rotate encryption keys while integrating with other cloud services and applications to protect sensitive data. KMS typically offers features like key lifecycle management, access policies, and audit logging to ensure compliance with security standards.
Developers should use KMS when building applications that require secure data encryption, such as financial systems, healthcare platforms, or any service handling sensitive user information. It is essential for compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, as it simplifies key management and reduces the risk of key exposure compared to manual handling. KMS is particularly valuable in cloud-native architectures where keys need to be managed across distributed services and environments.