Managing PKI
This playbook outlines the steps for establishing and maintaining a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which is vital for securing communication channels and authenticating information transfers.
Step 1: Define Policy
Establish a PKI policy that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and technical requirements. This should include the Certificate Policy (CP) and Certification Practice Statement (CPS).
Step 2: Select PKI Model
Decide on a PKI model that fits the organization’s requirements. Options include private, public, or hybrid PKI models.
Step 3: Implement Hierarchy
Set up a certificate hierarchy. This typically includes a root Certificate Authority (CA), with intermediate CAs for management and scalability purposes.
Step 4: Deploy System
Deploy the PKI system, ensuring appropriate hardware, software, and network configurations.
Step 5: Issue Certificates
Start the process of certificate enrollment, generation, distribution, and revocation as per CP and CPS.
Step 6: Ensure Security
Enforce strong security policies like multi-factor authentication and least privilege access to protect the CA and its keys.
Step 7: Monitor PKI
Regularly monitor the PKI infrastructure for any irregularities or operational issues.
Step 8: Update Policy
Review and update the PKI policies, practices, and configurations routinely to adapt to new threats and technologies.
Step 9: Plan Disaster Recovery
Implement a disaster recovery plan to restore PKI operations in the event of a failure or breach.
Step 10: Audit Regularly
Conduct regular audits of the PKI to ensure compliance with policies and to identify areas for improvement.
General Notes
PKI Documentation
Maintain detailed documentation for every aspect of the PKI, which is critical for troubleshooting, training, and operational integrity.
Legal Considerations
Stay informed about the legal requirements and considerations relevant to PKI operations and certificate issuance in your jurisdiction.