Use Cases

Discover how the kms-key module can solve real-world infrastructure challenges. Each use case describes a common scenario, its benefits, and architectural considerations.

Data Encryption

Encrypt sensitive data at rest across AWS services

  • Centralized key management
  • Automatic key rotation
  • Audit via CloudTrail

Compliance Requirements

Meet regulatory compliance requirements with customer-managed encryption keys

  • Demonstrate key ownership for audits
  • Automatic annual key rotation
  • Complete audit trail via CloudTrail

Secrets Management

Encrypt application secrets and credentials with dedicated KMS keys

  • Dedicated key per application or environment
  • Fine-grained access control
  • Integration with Secrets Manager and Parameter Store

Backup Encryption

Encrypt backups and snapshots with customer-managed keys

  • Consistent encryption across backup types
  • Cross-account backup sharing
  • Long-term key retention