Defining activation and deactivation dates for cryptographic keys is crucial in cryptographic key management systems to minimize the risk of key misuse. By setting these dates, the system ensures that keys are only valid and in use during their intended lifespan, thereby reducing the possibility of unauthorized use or exploitation.
This practice aligns with best practices in cryptographic security, which recommend the regular rotation and timely deactivation of keys to mitigate the risk of key compromise and limit the exposure of encrypted data.
References include NIST SP 800-57 Part 1 and ISO/IEC 27001.