There are several types of key block formats used in different industries, especially the retail banking industry. The systems that use these key blocks are part of heterogeneous networks. Therefore, they need to interchange their data with other systems, potentially using different key block formats or even different key binding algorithms (key wraps, key encapsulation, etc.). In what follows, we will explain how this is possible and what techniques are used to perform that.
A key block is a unique cryptographic structure designed to protect cryptographic keys during transport over potentially insecure networks. A team around Mohammed M Atalla invented the concept of the key block with his Atalla key block. This solved several issues created by “key variants” that were then used for transporting keys.
Among all the various key block formats, the TR-34 format is undoubtedly one of the most sophisticated formats.
The TR-34 norm is an implementation of the X9.24-2 norm. It proposes a realistic and efficient way of exchanging symmetric keys using asymmetric cryptography. This is basically a certificate-based Remote Key Loading (RKL) protocol.
This article proposes a few answers to a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about key blocks and their use with PCI.
This article proposes answers to a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about key blocks.
One aspect of key management is dealing with what happens when a symmetric cryptographic key is no longer needed. The section ‘Key Replacement, Destruction and Archiving’ within ANSI X9.24-1-2017 explains what needs to happen.
Banks and financial institutions must adhere to a rigorous set of security and regulatory practices to protect data, communications, and processes.
How can keys be securely exchanged over potentially unprotected channels? The answer to this question is “key blocks”. A key block is an essential cryptographic key format that allows users to securely exchange and utilize keys over various environments.
Thales Key Blocks are an essential cryptographic key wrapping format. In comparison to other key block formats, they are proprietary and only work with Thales payShield HSMs. In what follows, we delve into detail about this key block format.
