How PKIaaS Works- Everything you Need to Know 

PKI as a Service (PKIaaS) is a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) that enables an organization to outsource the Management of their PKI to a third-party provider. PKI can be useful for organizations that do not have the internal resources or expertise to manage their own PKI or those who want to focus on their core business. PKIaaS providers typically offer a range of services, including certificate issuance and Management, key Management, and security monitoring. Some providers also offer additional features such as two-factor authentication and digital signatures. When selecting a PKIaaS provider, it is essential to consider your organization’s needs and objectives. 

  

How does PKIaaS work? 

  

PKI as a service works in a similar way to other cloud-based services. The organization outsources the Management of its PKI infrastructure to a third-party provider. The provider manages the PKI infrastructure on behalf of the organization and delivers PKI services via the internet. 

 

 

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The certificate providers are responsible for keeping the PKI infrastructure up-to-date and securing and revoking digital certificates. The organization can use these certificates to authenticate users, encrypt data, and digitally sign documents. 

  

Service providers typically offer a web-based interface that allows organizations to manage their PKI infrastructure and settings. This can include adding or removing users, configuring security settings, and monitoring activity. 

  

Leading Service Providers 

Some of the significant PKIaaS solution providers include: 

Microsoft: Azure Key Vault is a cloud-based Microsoft PKI and secrets management service. It helps you protect keys and secrets used by your applications, services, and users. 

Key Components of a PKIaaS Solution 

A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)aaS solution typically includes the following components: 

 

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1. Certificate Authority (CA)

   : The CA is a trusted third party that issues digital certificates. A digital certificate contains information about the certificate holder’s identity, such as their name, email address, and public key.

2. Certification Authorities Server

   : The CA’s server stores the digital certificates issued by the CA. This server can authenticate users and devices when attempting to access PKI-protected resources.

3. Registration Authority (RA)

   : The RA is a trusted third party that manages certificate requests and verifies the identity of certificate applicants.

4. Public Key Infrastructure Management Console

   : The PKI management console manages the PKI, including issuing and revoking certificates.

5. Public Key Cryptography Standards

   : PKI relies on public-key cryptography standards, such as the RSA algorithm, to generate and store the cryptographic keys used to issue and authenticate digital certificates.

  

Types of PKIaaS 

  

There are two main types of PKI as a service: 

  

1. Certificate Authority as a Service (CAaaS)

  

Certificate Authority as a Service (CAaaS) enables an organization to outsource the management of their PKI to a third-party provider. The provider manages the infrastructure on behalf of the organization and delivers services via the internet. 

  

2. Key Management as a Service (KMaaS)

  

On the other hand, key Management as a Service (KMaaS) enables an organization to outsource the management of its cryptographic keys to a third-party provider. KMaaS providers typically offer critical management solutions designed to work with existing infrastructures. 

  

Steps involved in PKI as a Service Implementation 

 

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Here are the steps involved in PKI as a service implementation: 

  

1. Requesting a digital certificate: The first step is to request a digital certificate from a PKIaaS provider. 

  

2. Certificate issuance: Once the request has been received, the PKIaaS provider will issue a digital certificate.

  

3. Installing the certificate: The next step is to install the digital certificate on the server or device using it.

  

4. Configuring security settings: The final step is to configure the security settings for the certificate. This can include setting an expiration date, choosing a certificate format, and specifying who can access the certificate.

  

What are the benefits of using PKI as a Service? 

  

There are many benefits of using PKI as a service, including: 

  

1. Reduced cost: Organizations no longer need to invest in hardware or software to run their infrastructure.

  

2. Increased security: By outsourcing the Management of their PKI infrastructure to a third-party provider, organizations can use the provider’s expertise in securing data.

  

3. Improved efficiency: Using PKI as a service can also improve the efficiency of an organization’s digital communications. By using a PKIaaS provider, organizations can avoid the time-consuming tasks of managing and configuring their infrastructure.

  

What are the challenges of using PKI as a Service? 

  

Some challenges need to be considered when using PKI as a service, such as: 

 

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1. Security

   : One of the main challenges of using PKI as a service is security. When outsourcing the Management of an organization’s PKI infrastructure to a third-party provider, there is always the risk that the provider could be hacked or that data could be leaked.

  

2. Compliance

   : Another challenge of using PKI as a service is compliance. Organizations need to make sure that their PKIaaS provider is compliant with the relevant regulations and standards.

  

3. Reliability

   : A third challenge of using PKI as a service is reliability. Organizations need to make sure that their PKIaaS provider is reliable and that their services are available when needed.

  

  

What to look for in a Public Key Infrastructure as a Service Provider? 

  

When selecting a Public Key Infrastructure as a Service provider, it is essential to consider your organization’s needs and objectives. Some things you may want to look for include: 

  

• Ease of use
• Flexibility
• Security
• Reliability
• Customer support

  

  

How to Differentiate Between Real and Fake PKI as a Service? 

 

 

 

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When considering a service provider, it is essential to consider how to differentiate between real and fake PKI as a Service. Here are some things to look for: 

  

1. The provider should offer a range of services, including certificate issuance and Management, key Management, and security monitoring. 

2. They should have a robust infrastructure in place, with multiple layers of security.
3. They should have a team of experts who can help you with any problems.
4. The provider should offer a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with their service.

 

  

Conclusion 

These were the basics of PKIaaS and what you need to know to get started. Hopefully, this information is helpful and provides a strong foundation as you consider implementing these services into your organization.