---
mapped_pages:
  - https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/kibana/current/kibana-encryption-keys.html
---

# kibana-encryption-keys [kibana-encryption-keys]

The `kibana-encryption-keys` command helps you generate encryption keys that {{kib}} uses to protect sensitive information.

{{kib}} uses encryption keys in several areas, ranging from encrypting data in {{kib}} associated indices to storing session information. By defining these encryption keys in your configuration, you’ll ensure consistent operations across restarts.


## Usage [_usage]

```shell
bin/kibana-encryption-keys [command] [options]
```


## Commands [encryption-key-parameters]

`generate`
:   Generate encryption keys.

    Unless interactive mode (`-i`) is used, the generated encryption keys will be output to your console only. From here, you should manually copy the keys into either `kibana.yml` or where else you’re configurating {{kib}}.

    `-i, --interactive`
    :   Prompts you for which encryption keys to set and optionally where to save a sample configuration file.

    `-q, --quiet`
    :   Outputs the config options/encryption keys only (without helper information).

    `-f, --force`
    :   Generates new keys for all settings. By default, only un-configured encryption keys will be generated.

    `-h, --help`
    :   Shows help information.



## Examples [_examples]

```shell
bin/kibana-encryption-keys generate
```