What are best practices when configuring public key infrastructure?

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What are best practices when configuring public key infrastructure?

Asked on Nov 03, 2025

Answer

Configuring a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) involves establishing a secure framework for managing digital certificates and encryption keys, which are essential for ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Best practices include adhering to standards like NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and ensuring secure certificate issuance and revocation processes.

Example Concept: A well-configured PKI involves implementing a hierarchical trust model with a root Certificate Authority (CA) and subordinate CAs to issue certificates. Ensure the root CA is kept offline to protect its private key, use strong cryptographic algorithms, and regularly audit certificate issuance and revocation processes to maintain trust and compliance.

Additional Comment:

Regularly update and patch PKI software to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Implement multi-factor authentication for CA administrators to enhance security.
Use hardware security modules (HSMs) to store and manage cryptographic keys securely.
Establish clear policies for certificate lifecycle management, including renewal and revocation.

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