How are keys managed in cloud deployments?

In cloud deployments, managing keys effectively is crucial for maintaining security and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. The correct answer emphasizes the use of regional Key Management Services (KMS) for synchronization, which is a best practice in cloud environments.

Using regional KMS allows organizations to leverage cloud providers' built-in services for key management, which not only streamlines the process but also enhances security by ensuring that keys are generated, stored, and managed within the same geographical region where the data resides. This minimizes latency and improves performance while also aligning with regional compliance requirements.

Additionally, regional KMS implementations typically provide features such as automated key rotation, auditing, and access controls, ensuring that keys remain secure and well-managed without the need for constant manual intervention. This approach also helps in managing cryptographic keys across different cloud services and applications, allowing for a more cohesive security strategy.

Other methods mentioned, such as relying on manual configurations or depending solely on a single KMS, do not adequately support the dynamic and scalable nature of cloud environments. They may introduce vulnerabilities or operational inefficiencies, making them less appropriate for key management in these contexts.