Electronic key management system (EKMS)

Abstract

Summary form only given, as follows. To enhance protection of unencrypted cryptography and match the speed, robustness, and interoperability of C4I for the Warrior, the NSA is pursuing a joint initiative with the user community, i.e. DOD and other federal agencies, to provide an electronic replacement for the current paper-based crypto-material system. This development, called electronic key management system (EKMS), will use computer technology to provide automated responsive cryptographic key ordering, generation, distribution, accounting, and destruction. Importantly, distribution will be encrypted from generation to end COMSEC device using a tiered system architecture comprised of a common suite of hardware and software. The components are the central facility (NSA), local management device (LMD) with local COMSEC management software (LCMS) and key processor (KP) peripheral, and a data transfer device (DTD). The paper provides an EKMS architecture overview, technical description of system components, program update, and tactical applications.<>