What is the difference between a session key and a master key? Ans: A session key is a temporary encryption key used between two principals. A master key is a long-lasting key that is used between a key distribution center and a principal for the purpose of encoding the transmission of session keys.
In general, these terms refer to keys used in two different kinds of cryptography, symmetric and asymmetric. Both are keys that should be kept hidden, thus the similarity in names.
In symmetric cryptography, the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt messages. The key is called the “secret key” and symmetric crypto systems are sometimes called secret key crypto systems. It is critical that the key only be known by the sender and intended recipient of the message.
Asymmetric cryptography is more complicated. In this case there are two keys, one called the public key and the other called the private key. Typically these keys can reverse the operation of the other. If a message is encrypted to a public key, only the corresponding private key can decrypt it. Note, not even the public key can undo its own encryption. The benefit of this kind of system is that only one person needs to know the private key. They put the corresponding public key on the web, in directories, wherever they want. Anyone can then use that public key to encrypt a message which can only be read by the holder of the private key.
So, they are both keys that the user needs to keep secret / private. Because they work in significantly different ways it would be confusing to use the same term for both. Secret keys for symmetric ciphers and private keys for asymmetric cyphers has become the standard nomenclature.
Keeping this in consideration, what is master key in cryptography?
Applications. A master key is a cryptographic key (typically a symmetric key ( Symmetric Cryptosystem)) whose sole purpose is to protect other keys, such as session keys, while those keys are in storage, in use, or in transit.
Also, what is master key in network security? Master keys, which are stored in secure hardware in the cryptographic feature, are used to encrypt all other keys on the system. This is an effective way to protect a large number of keys while needing to provide physical security for only a few master keys. The master keys are used only to encipher and decipher keys.
Also know, how do session keys work?
A session key is an encryption and decryption key that is randomly generated to ensure the security of a communications session between a user and another computer or between two computers. Session keys are sometimes called symmetric keys, because the same key is used for both encryption and decryption.
How does a master key work?
A master key system allows two or more keys to open one lock. To make a master key system, you need locks and keys that are the same make and model, and a way to rekey those locks. The basic pin tumbler master locks use a master wafer/pin in between the key pin and the driver pin.