In cryptography, a key distribution center (KDC) is part of a cryptosystem intended to reduce the risks inherent in exchanging keys. KDCs often operate in systems within which some users may have permission to use certain services at some times and not at others.

Security overview

For instance, an administrator may have established a policy that only certain users may use the tape backup facility. (Perhaps the administrator has concerns that unrestricted use might result in someone smuggling out a tape containing important information; but the precise reason does not matter for the purpose of explaining the functioning of the key distribution center.) Many operating systems can control access to the tape facility via a 'system service'. If that system service further restricts the tape drive to operate on behalf only of users who can submit a service-granting ticket when they wish to use it, there remains only the task of distributing such tickets to the appropriately permitted users. If the ticket consists of (or includes) a key, we can then term the mechanism which distributes it a KDC. Usually, in such situations, the KDC itself also operates as a system service.

Operation

A typical operation with a KDC involves a request from a user to use some service. The KDC will use cryptographic techniques to authenticate requesting users as themselves. It will also check whether an individual user has the right to access to the service requested. If the authenticated user meets all prescribed conditions, the KDC can issue a ticket permitting access.

KDCs mostly operate with symmetric encryption.

In most (but not all) cases the KDC shares a key with each of all the other parties.

The KDC produces a ticket based on a server key.

The client receives the ticket and submits it to the appropriate server.

The server can verify the submitted ticket and grant access to the user submitting it.

Security systems using KDCs include Kerberos.

Benefits

• Easier key distribution
• Scalability

Drawbacks

• A KDC can become a single point of failure
• Everybody must trust the KDC