PKI has been creating a lot of rumors, and buzz in the digital world. It is good to know that some of the businessmen have really cared to show what they need. Many have understood the whole of it and now want to find a way to implement it but at the same time, many aren’t still aware of what is PKI.
Hence, I thought of bringing it in front of everyone, who does not know and who even knows it. So let us begin with some more information about PKI.
What is PKI?
Defining PKI in dictionary language is rather easier than defining it in real. I would try to put in very simple words that the process by which any message can be coded by a person and sent to another person and only the receiver would know how to decode it. This long process of sending and receiving coded messages is called the PKI method.
If we speak in the technical language then PKI is the hardware and the software technologies which are designed and managed to create some transmission, some storage, and some authentication of digital currency. There is a pair of keys available with the PKI system which is known as the private key and the public key. Both the keys are tied to each other with the help of a cryptographic function.
Deploying a PKI Solutions
There is a lot of misconceptions and assumptions when it comes to the deployment of PKI solutions. Almost every environment that you come across now must be sure that there are some PKI involved in it but the only thing is that it is not documented.
Define Certificate Policy and Certificate Practise Statement
These will help you to create, implement, and control for your PKI, and here you can decide what and how your PKI will be used, managed, and secured. You may not know but CP and CPS are completely optional but your environment will reap stronger protection and it will help you to implement exactly whatever is necessary. It would require you to do some great planning and customization but if done successfully then you will get great results.
Then Decide Whether You Need an HSM or Not
Well, you find that your certificate authorities need an HSM which means a Hardware Security Module, but it may also require some more money which you may not be able to afford. It is an important decision and you must take it before deploying any PKI related server. If you try to incorporate an HSM in an existing PKI, then the PKI provides the minimum protection for it. Organizations that do not choose any HSM, get an entirely new PKI in the next 5 years. While a well designed PKI is there to make the most important decisions for your organizations.
Ensure that You are able to Test the Certificates across the Platform
You must create a list of certificates you will need in the environment, then you need to create the templates you need for them one by one. Then you start enrolling the members of the IT department manually, then verify the entire process, only if it turns out to be successful then you can trust it.
Conclude
Do not hesitate, it may seem difficult but it is for your good. Deploying Public key infrastructure solutions will show you some of the best days of your work culture. It is not only easy, but it is also a lot more time saving, it also helps in planning and installing the configuration.