1. A method, in a data processing system, for managing cryptographic keys, the method comprising: storing a set of state altering date values in state meta-data of each cryptographic key in a data store, wherein the set of state altering date values comprises an initial date, an activation date, and a deactivation date; retrieving the set of state altering date values from the data store for a given cryptographic key; and determining a state of the given cryptographic key based on a combination of the set of state altering date values, wherein the set of state altering date values further comprises a compromise date and a destroy date, wherein determining the state of the given cryptographic key comprises: responsive to the destroy date being set and the compromise date not determining that the given cryptographic key is in a destroyed state; and responsive to the destroy date not being set and the compromise date being set, determining that the given cryptographic key is in a compromised state.