Every day, more devices from various manufacturers are connected to corporate intranets and the internet. Creating a security framework in which these devices live is more critical than ever before. Securing device identities via certificates has become a popular choice. Digital certificates have been used for many years to prove the identity of websites around the world.
However, having a device identity (or website identity) that leverages these certificates is not always secure. Trust must be established. That is, the entity (certificate authority) issuing the certificate must be trusted to only issue certificates to valid devices. That is, merely issuing certificates is not enough. Comprehensive policies and procedures, specifically a Certificate Policy (CP) and Certification Practice Statement (CPS) are vital for establishing and maintaining trust within the ecosystem. Additionally, using proper PKI software solutions to implement the PKI further enhances trust.
Establishing trust with proper PKI policies and procedures
Uniform practices enable consistency and standardization. CP and CPS documents ensure that all aspects of the PKI process are standardized across all devices and networks. This consistency is critical in maintaining reliable and secure identification between diverse devices and software. Also, clear and documented procedures prevent inconsistencies during certificate issuance, renewal, and revocation. These inconsistencies lead to security vulnerabilities and erode trust in the system.
These policies and procedures enhance security and compliance. Detailed policies help identify and mitigate potential risks associated with IoT device deployment. Procedures ensure that each step, from device onboarding to decommissioning, adheres to strict security protocols, thus enhancing overall trust. Many industries mandate stringent security and privacy standards. Adhering to CP/CPS ensures compliance with these regulations, which is essential for maintaining legal standing and industry credibility. Regular documented audits prove ongoing compliance.
A proper PKI builds trust and accountability. Policies and procedures provide a clear framework for security measures, instilling confidence among stakeholders—manufacturers, users, and administrators—that the system is secure. Documented procedures ensure that all actions are traceable. This transparency is critical for investigating and addressing security breaches, thereby maintaining and restoring trust when issues arise. Additionally, audits provide continual confidence in the trustworthiness.
A proper PKI includes scalability and maintenance in its policies and procedures. As the number of IoT devices grows, managing PKI without standardized procedures becomes impractical. Policies streamline the management processes, making it easier to scale the infrastructure without compromising trust. Procedures provide a roadmap for the maintenance of certificates, including renewal and revocation, ensuring devices continue to operate securely, thus sustaining trust over time.
The advantage of proper PKI software over home-grown implementations
Proper PKI software solutions offer integrated features for certificate lifecycle management, automation, and compliance checking, which are lacking in an OpenSSL implementation. PKI software includes user-friendly interfaces for managing certificates and policies, reducing the complexity and potential for errors compared to command-line operations in OpenSSL and other home-grown implementations.
PKI software includes advanced security features such as hardware security module (HSM) integration, automated key management, and stronger encryption algorithms. Commercial PKI solutions come with regular updates and dedicated support, ensuring that the system remains secure against emerging threats, which is harder to maintain with OpenSSL without in-depth expertise and custom programming.
Proper PKI software includes tools for enforcing CP/CPS policies and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations, providing an additional layer of trust. These solutions must have built-in auditing and reporting capabilities, essential for maintaining transparency and accountability, which are crucial for trust.
The pitfalls of lacking proper policies and procedures
Without proper policies and procedures in place, simply issuing certificates can lead to significant trust issues:
- Inconsistent practices: Different entities might follow disparate practices in issuing certificates, leading to inconsistencies and security gaps.
- Increased vulnerability: The lack of defined procedures heightens the risk of improper certificate handling, such as failing to revoke certificates for compromised devices, leaving the network exposed and untrustworthy.
- Regulatory non-compliance: Issuing certificates without following established policies can result in non-compliance with industry regulations, risking legal penalties.
- Eroded trust: Without assurance that all devices and processes adhere to a standardized, trusted security protocol, stakeholders may lose confidence in the system’s security measures.
Conclusion
Security is not negotiable as more devices connect to corporate networks and the internet. Policies and procedures (CP/CPS) are not formalities — they are foundational to the trustworthiness of a PKI system. They ensure consistency, security, compliance, and reliability, going far beyond the physical issuance of a certificate for a digital identity.
A dedicated PKI software solution – like Keyfactor EJBCA – is a superior solution over homegrown solutions like OpenSSL. EJBCA provides enhanced security, compliance, and trust. Comprehensive policies and procedures leveraging robust PKI software form the foundation of trusted environments. Proper adherence and auditing allow companies to maintain a secure and trusted environment. This environment protects sensitive data and builds confidence in the trust established by digital identities issued via the PKI.
