Key Management with skiptool

The Key Management Parameters window (Figure 3-20) is displayed by selecting File --> Key Management. Key management parameters are global; that is, one set of key management parameters governs the activity of all keys on a particular system. They determine when a key is deleted based upon use and the maximum number of bytes transmitted per encrypt key.

Figure 3-20 Key Management Parameters Window

The Key Management Parameters window has four major components.

Change transmit keys every:

The system uses the delete unused key parameter to decide when to change active encrypt keys.

Delete unused keys after:

This button sets the number of seconds an unused traffic key is kept before it is deleted. The number may be changed by either typing in a new number or clicking on the up and down arrows until the desired number is reached. Default value = 30 seconds. Valid range: 5 seconds to 10,000 seconds.

Transmit at most:

This button sets the maximum amount of information that can be transmitted using a particular key. When the set amount is reached, the key is changed. The number can be changed by either typing in a new number or clicking on the up and down arrows until the desired number is reached. Default value = 512 Kbytes per key. Valid range: 1 Kbyte per key to 10,000 Kbytes per key.

Management Buttons:

These three buttons enable you to apply the new values, return to the default values, or dismiss the window without changes.

• Apply--Makes the changes made in the window active.

• Default--Returns the values in the window to the default values (30 seconds and 512 Kbytes).

• Cancel--Dismisses the window without changing anything.