Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) - Trusted Identities

The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is an essential component of a solid security concept and describes a cryptographic trust anchor. Within this framework, every device and user must identify themselves. Only with successful authentication is it subsequently possible to enable secure communication or connection between two endpoints.

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Definition and Explanation

What is PKI?

PKI stands for Public Key Infrastructure and describes a complex system that issues, manages, and validates digital certificates. This infrastructure ensures that individuals, devices, and applications can identify each other reliably and communicate securely. PKI thus forms the foundation of modern IT security strategies and is used, for example, in SSL/TLS certificates, digital signatures, email encryption, and IoT devices. Originally introduced in the 1990s, PKI is today indispensable for the protection of digital identities and data integrity.

How Does PKI Work?

The heart of the PKI is asymmetric cryptography: A public key encrypts data, the corresponding private key decrypts it. This system allows for confidential transmission of messages as well as the creation of digital signatures. PKI uses digital certificates according to the X.509 standard, which are issued by certification authorities (CAs). These certificates contain information such as the public key, the identity of the holder, the issuing CA, and an expiration date. A key feature is the tamper-proof design and the ability to trace the origin of a certificate back to the CA.

Basics of PKI

These are the Features of a PKI

The foundation of PKI consists of hardware, policies, standards, and software. Without a combination of these elements, it would not be possible to create a digital PKI certificate, let alone distribute, manage, or even revoke it. After all, the PKI guarantees that a digital certificate is trustworthy. For this reason, it is characterized by different features.

References

Certificates

Areas of Application

We Assist in the Secure Implementation of a PKI

Since the PKI manages electronic identities for individuals, devices, and services, it allows for strong authentication, data encryption, and digital signatures.

Types of PKI

Description of PKI Types in the Company

The foundation for this system is the combination of a public and a private key. With the help of these keys, the PKI infrastructure checks whether, for example, communication with other devices is possible. Specifically, this means: The PKI verifies the identity of the owner. After the verification, it issues a certificate for the respective public key, thereby certifying the authenticity of the key pair. In this way, the authenticity of a certificate can also be checked.

A PKI Describes a Security Pyramid.: It is important to note that PKI is a multi-tiered security pyramid. Even with a PKI card, different instances are used that must successfully confirm the identity.
So far, the PKI standard has been implemented locally in companies' own data centers. The problem with this is that the necessary know-how and sufficient staff are absolutely necessary.
PKI from the Cloud and As-a-Service: Cloud-based PKI services offer businesses flexibility and relieve internal resources. These models are particularly advantageous for companies without their own specialists. They enable automatic certificate issuance, renewal, and revocation while maintaining high security. However, businesses face the question: Is it better to use PKI in the cloud, as-a-service, or continue to rely on the on-premise solution?
On-Premises Implementation: The necessary capacities also need to be determined. Those who only need PKIs temporarily will definitely benefit from an outsourced solution. However, if the volume remains constant, the technical know-how is usually firmly anchored in the company. In this case, it might make sense to consider a local implementation.

Range of Services for Cyber Security

Further Meaningful Services within the Scope of an IT Security Audit

Penetration Test: Penetration tests are simulated attacks from external or internal sources to determine the security of web applications, apps, networks, and infrastructures and to uncover any vulnerabilities.
Cloud Security: Due to the increasing complexity of cloud infrastructures, many services are incorrectly configured. We help you identify and eliminate misconfigurations and their effects.
Phishing Simulation: A spear-phishing simulation is used to enhance the detection capabilities of your employees. We help you to raise awareness among your staff and thus strengthen the last line of defense.
Static Code Analysis: Static code analysis, also known as source code analysis, is typically carried out as part of a code review and takes place during the implementation phase of a Security Development Lifecycle (SDL).

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Certification with Seal

We have developed an effective and comprehensive format for verifiable security that can be directly integrated into your website. This certificate demonstrates to third parties such as customers or insurers a high level of security, data protection, and an awareness of IT security.

The certificates we issue demonstrate a high level of IT security at a given time according to a standard or individual test modules. Depending on the assessment, different test guidelines are chosen and evaluated.