What key management practice associates cryptographic keys with an identity?

The practice that associates cryptographic keys with an identity is known as ownership binding. This concept ensures that specific cryptographic keys are tied to a particular user or entity, establishing clear ownership and accountability for the use of those keys. By binding keys to identities, organizations can enforce security policies more effectively and ensure that only authorized users can access or use the cryptographic keys.

Ownership binding serves several purposes in cybersecurity. It helps in tracking key usage, managing access controls, and enables audits of key usage to detect any unauthorized activities. This practice is particularly important in environments where security and compliance are critical, as it provides a way to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.

In contrast, other key management practices focus on different aspects of key management. For example, rotation pertains to changing cryptographic keys periodically to reduce the risk of compromise, while storage consideration deals with how keys are securely stored to prevent unauthorized access. Dispersion refers to distributing keys across various locations to enhance security. Each of these practices has its own role, but only ownership binding directly associates cryptographic keys with a specific identity.