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Appendix 14 · Logistics for MKD

From the book: Data Encryption at the Intersection of Mathematics and Physics – Comparing Physical Methods of Cryptography

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Content of this appendix

Appendix 14 · Logistics for MKD

This appendix focuses on logistics for Memory Key Distribution and the need for a documented chain of custody. Because MKD transports cryptographic key material physically, the security of the method depends on controlled generation, packaging, transport, handover, storage, and revocation procedures.

The material introduces an electronic chain-of-custody approach using signed timestamps, precise location data, identification of logistics personnel, and unique codes for transported components. It also emphasizes separate transport of related media, such as SSDs and smart cards, so that compromising one route does not immediately compromise the full key material.

The appendix analyzes physical attack vectors such as interception, loss, manipulation, chip-off attacks, hardware tampering, and denial of service. It explains how encryption, tamper-evident seals, tamper-resistant enclosures, zeroization, redundant transport, and revocation reduce risk. The result is an operational security model for MKD logistics.

  • Explains chain-of-custody requirements for MKD
  • Describes signed handover and tracking concepts
  • Requires separate transport of related media
  • Analyzes loss, interception, and manipulation risks
  • Connects logistics controls with key security

Suggested citation

Reference in IEEE style

E. Piller and H. Schölnast, “Appendix 14: Logistics for MKD,” author-maintained supplementary material for Data Encryption at the Intersection of Mathematics and Physics: Comparing Physical Methods of Cryptography, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://cryptography.study/phys/eCoC/.

Reference in ACM style

Ernst Piller and Hubert Schölnast. 2026. Appendix 14: Logistics for MKD. Author-maintained supplementary material for Data Encryption at the Intersection of Mathematics and Physics: Comparing Physical Methods of Cryptography. https://cryptography.study/phys/eCoC/

BibTeX entry 
@misc{piller_schoelnast_2026_appendix_14_mkd_logistics,
  title        = {Logistics for MKD},
  author       = {Ernst Piller and Hubert Schölnast},
  year         = {2026},
  howpublished = {Author-maintained supplementary material for Data Encryption at the Intersection of Mathematics and Physics},
  url          = {https://cryptography.study/phys/eCoC/},
  note         = {Related book DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-24764-3},
  language     = {en}
}
RIS entry 
TY  - GEN
TI  - Logistics for MKD
T2  - Author-maintained supplementary material for Data Encryption at the Intersection of Mathematics and Physics
AU  - Piller, Ernst
AU  - Schölnast, Hubert
PY  - 2026
UR  - https://cryptography.study/phys/eCoC/
N1  - Related book DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-24764-3
LA  - en
ER  -
CSL JSON entry 
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