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What is the process of storing keys for use by law enforcement called?

A. Key escrow
B. Key archival
C. Key renewal
D. Certificate rollover

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Final answer:

The process of storing keys for law enforcement is called Key escrow, which involves a third-party agent holding cryptographic keys to allow access under certain legal conditions. It is distinct from key archival, key renewal, and certificate rollover, which serve different purposes in managing encryption keys and certificates.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of storing encryption keys for use by law enforcement is called Key escrow. This process entails having a third party, called an escrow agent, securely hold onto cryptographic keys. The main purpose of key escrow is to ensure that encrypted data can be decrypted under certain conditions, such as a court order requiring law enforcement to access the information for an investigation.

Key escrow systems are designed to balance the need for privacy and security in encrypted communications with the legal and societal needs for investigative and surveillance capabilities. It's important to note that the use of key escrow systems is often a subject of debate, with privacy advocates expressing concerns over potential abuses or breaches.

Key archival, on the other hand, is the process of securely storing keys for later retrieval and use, typically to prevent data loss in the case of key compromise or system failure. Key renewal refers to the process of replacing old keys with new ones at regular intervals to maintain security, while Certificate rollover involves the replacement of a digital certificate before it expires with a new certificate to ensure continuity of secure communications.

User Dimitar Tsonev
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