There is mention that PAD keys can also be encrypted. Whats up with that?
MINK can generate and save PAD keys to a file, but the option exists to encrypt the values of the key itself for an added layer of protection. When the data is loaded into the Blackbird applet, the keys can be decrypted there. This is done as an added layer of security in the event that a file containing PAD Key sequences ends up in the wrong hands. You can encrypt a set of PAD Key sequences, and choose to share the password later on with those you give the file to. They cannot use the PAD Keys until they decrypt them, and you can keep the keys safe in the event that the computer or medium on which the keys are kept is hacked or stolen. When you are sure the PAD Key files have not fallen into the wrong hands, you can openly broadcast the password, OR you can choose the keep the password itself a guarded secret and openly broadcast the PAD keys. You choose. Just make sure the password themselves are not of the type that are easy to crack.
