Which challenges are associated with key management?

Key management is a critical aspect of cryptographic systems and involves several key challenges that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. The process includes various components that contribute to the secure handling of cryptographic keys throughout their lifecycle.

Key distribution is a challenge because it refers to securely sharing keys with authorized users or systems without exposing them to unauthorized access. Proper mechanisms must be in place to prevent interception during transmission, which can be a significant risk in networked environments.

Key storage is another challenge because secure storage is necessary to protect keys from theft or unauthorized access. If keys are not stored securely, they can be compromised, leading to potential data breaches. This requires robust solutions for encryption and access control to safeguard the keys in storage.

Access to the keys poses a challenge as well, as it requires establishing strict policies and mechanisms to ensure that only authorized entities can utilize the keys. Managing who has access to the keys, and under what circumstances, is vital for maintaining the overall security posture of the system.

Given that all these aspects are interconnected and essential for effective key management, the correct answer encompasses all these challenges, affirming the necessity for a comprehensive approach to key management in cloud security.