I have this scenario where I use Encrypt-then-MAC (AES256-CBC and HMAC-SHA256) w

Question

I have this scenario where I use Encrypt-then-MAC (AES256-CBC and HMAC-SHA256) with keys generated by a CSPRNG (specifically, SecureRandom in Java). I'd like to know which is better:

+ Use the CSPRNG to generate two distinct keys of 32 byte each

or

+ Use the CSPRNG to generate a master key of 32 byte and then use HKDF to derive the encryption and authentication key

I'd like to add that no human interaction is involved: this keys are stored inside a DB and are only used by machines.

Thank you very much!

Explanation / Answer

If you are concerned about database size, only the master key needs to be stored when you use HKDF. Ditto when sending it to another computer. Otherwise, two independent random keys are clearly secure and simpler to implement, so you should do that.

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