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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Advanced

Key Ceremony

Formal, audited procedure for generating or using high-value keys, such as a root CA key, under multi-person control.

Definition

Key ceremonies follow a scripted process with witnesses, video recording, HSMs, and dual control or M-of-N authorization. They create an auditable record that critical keys were generated and handled correctly. The DNSSEC root zone KSK ceremonies run by IANA are a well-known example.

Example

Seven crypto officers, each with a smart card, meet in a secure room so that three can activate the root CA HSM.

Exam tip

Ceremonies combine dual control, split knowledge, and auditing.

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