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Akeyfile (orkey-file) is a file on a computer which containsencryption or license keys.
A common use is web server software runningTransport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. Server-specific keys issued by trusted authorities are merged into the keyfile along with the trusted root certificates. By this method keys can be updated without recompiling software or rebooting the server.
A keyfile is often part of apublic key infrastructure (PKI).
Some applications use a keyfile to hold licensing information, which is periodically reviewed to ensure currency and compliance. Other applications allow users to merge multiple service-specific security settings into a single common store (for example,Apple Computer's Keychain in laterMac OS X versions,GNOME Keyring andKWallet in theGNOME andKDE environments inLinux, respectively).