Which term describes the process of protecting data using keys that are managed outside the main application?

The term that correctly describes the process of protecting data using keys managed outside the main application is third-party key management. This process involves employing an external service or provider that specializes in key management, allowing organizations to securely generate, store, and manage cryptographic keys separate from the applications that use them. This separation enhances security by reducing the risk of key exposure or misuse within the application environment itself, and it offers flexibility for managing keys across different platforms or services.

Using third-party key management also supports compliance with various regulatory standards that require proper key handling practices. It reinforces the principle of least privilege by ensuring that applications don't handle sensitive keys directly, thereby minimizing risks associated with potential vulnerabilities within the application code or environment. Additionally, many organizations may choose third-party services for advanced features like automated key rotation, access logging, and auditing, which can further bolster data security strategies.

The other options, while related to data protection and encryption, do not specifically capture the essence of managing encryption keys externally to the application in question. Key Management is a broader term that encompasses the overall practices for managing cryptographic keys but doesn't explicitly state that those keys are managed outside of the main application. External encryption is not a term widely recognized within industry standards, and BitLocker recovery keys specifically