A pattern language for key management

Many services in a distributed public network like the Internet require secure communications. Security in communications consists of integrity, authenticity, confidentiality and non repudiability. These aims can be achieved with cryptography. Key management plays a fundamental role in secure communications, as it is the basis of all cryptographic functions. This paper describes a pattern language for key management. Eleven patterns are described: Alice & Friends, There is somebody eavesdropping, The Real Thing, Signed Envelope, Face to Face, Address Book, Sealed Envelope, Sealed and Signed Envelope, Seal Ring Engraver, Key in the Pocket and The Forged Seal Ring. These patterns are designed to answer basic key management requirements in respect of secure communications