What protocol is responsible for managing the encryption keys used by MACsec?

The protocol responsible for managing the encryption keys used by MACsec is indeed MACsec Key Agreement (MKA). MKA is designed specifically for the MACsec protocol to provide a way to negotiate and manage encryption keys effectively, ensuring secure communication over Ethernet networks. By facilitating the establishment of keys on both ends of a secure connection, MKA plays a crucial role in the overall security architecture of MACsec.

MKA incorporates mechanisms to support key derivation, distribution, and synchronization among devices, allowing them to maintain consistent security contexts and ensure that data transmitted across the network is protected from unauthorized access. The focus of MKA on maintaining secure key management directly addresses the dynamic nature of network communications, where keys may change frequently and need to be managed securely to maintain confidentiality and integrity.

In contrast, the other options listed either do not exist or do not specifically fit the role defined in the question regarding MACsec. Key Management Protocol (KMP) and Dynamic Key Management (DKM) are not recognized standards related to MACsec key management, while Secure Key Exchange (SKE) also does not align with MACsec’s framework. Thus, MKA stands out as the correct and dedicated solution for key management within MACsec environments.