Top Best Practices for Storing X.509 Private Keys
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) plays a vital role in managing the public keys utilized by networks. It’s used for public-key encryption, identity management, certificate distribution, and revocation.
The foundation of a PKI system lies in asymmetric cryptography involving a pair of public and private keys. Safeguarding the X509 private key is an essential aspect of PKI management.
In light of the observed 30% surge in encrypted payloads in recent years, ensuring the protection of X.509 keys has become imperative. We have great content below for those seeking an entirely secure Public Key Encryption solution for their network.
A stolen private key can have devastating consequences on a business. So, let us begin exploring the best methods for safeguarding X.509 private keys becomes crucial.
Top Methods for Storing Private Keys and Preventing Private Key Compromises
Securing private keys is of utmost importance to prevent any compromises. Fortunately, implementing best practices for storing private keys can significantly enhance the security of your digital assets. Here are some essential practices to consider:
Use a Hardware Security Module (HSM):
An HSM is a dedicated hardware device that protects cryptographic keys. Storing private keys in an HSM adds a layer of security by ensuring they are stored in a tamper-resistant environment. HSMs provide encryption and key management capabilities, making them an excellent choice for safeguarding private keys.
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Employ Key Encryption:
Instead of storing private keys in plaintext, it is advisable to encrypt them. Use robust encryption algorithms and securely store the encrypted keys. This way, the encrypted private keys remain protected even if the storage medium is compromised.
Implement Access Controls:
Limit access to private keys only to authorized personnel requiring them for specific tasks. Implement stringent access controls such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control (RBAC). Regularly review and update access privileges to ensure they align with the principle of least privilege.
Regularly Rotate Keys:
Periodically rotating private keys reduces the risk of prolonged exposure. Establish a key rotation policy and follow it diligently. When rotating keys, ensure a smooth transition process, update all dependent systems, and securely dispose of the old keys.
Secure Storage:
Choose a secure storage location for private keys. Physical security measures such as locked cabinets, safes, or secure data centers are essential to protect against unauthorized physical access. Implement appropriate environmental controls, such as temperature and humidity monitoring, to prevent damage to storage media.
Backup and Disaster Recovery:
Regularly back up private keys and store the backups securely. Consider storing backups in geographically separate locations to mitigate the risk of data loss due to disasters or hardware failures. Test the restoration process periodically to ensure backups are reliable.
Monitor and Audit:
Implement a comprehensive monitoring and auditing system to track key usage, detect suspicious activities, and generate logs for forensic analysis. Regularly review logs and monitor critical management systems for potential security breaches or anomalies.
Educate Employees about Safety:
Provide training and awareness programs regarding protecting private keys and the associated security best practices. Promote a security culture within the organization and encourage employees to report any security concerns promptly.
Utilize Private Key Attestation for your Cyberspace Security
You must be wondering what’s there to stress so much about Attestation. Well, we will clarify this right now! Attestation serves a similar purpose as it does in the legal world: to provide a verifiable signature that confirms the origin of a document or, in this case, a private key.
The concept of attestation revolves around cryptographically certifying that an asymmetric key has been generated on a specific device and not imported from elsewhere. This process ensures that no additional copies of the asymmetric key exist.
When it comes to private key attestation, the usual practice is to perform it on the device where the certificate is being issued. This step is crucial because distributing digital certificates to client devices is the most vulnerable phase for compromise. On-device attestation provides proof that the certificate was locally generated and remains uncompromised.
While this may seem straightforward, automatic attestation of all device certificates is impossible. Generating and attesting a legitimate digital certificate requires the presence of a secure cryptoprocessor, such as a hardware security module (HSM) or a PIV-enabled smart card, directly on the device.
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Yubico, a leading provider, has developed YubiKeys that come preloaded with an X.509 certificate specifically intended for attesting keys and certificates generated on the device.
Several Yubico Partners have developed a range of solutions that enhance the security and convenience offered by YubiKeys.
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Attestation can be performed to verify that the private key was indeed generated on the YubiKey. This management platform also allows you to create certificate management policies akin to group policies, enabling you to assign users different permissions and access levels based on various criteria, such as whether their certificate is attested.
Store Private Keys on External Hardware for Maximum Security
Cryptographic hardware storage devices are the most secure method of storing private keys. While these tools can be relatively expensive, they provide an exceptional line of defense against potential attacks. Examples of such devices include Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), Smart Cards, or USB tokens.
Storing private keys on physical devices makes them inaccessible unless the attacker gains physical access to the device itself.
Among these options, HSMs are recommended because they can securely manage valuable data within an infrastructure. They accomplish this by encrypting the data or rendering it impossible for external actors to retrieve it.
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They rely on HSMs to protect and manage private keys in the most secure manner possible. Incorporating HSM enhances the security of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) significantly. It is also essential when safeguarding your network with certificates.
By employing private key attestation and utilizing external hardware storage devices like HSMs, you can significantly bolster the security of your digital infrastructure and protect against potential compromises.
These measures reflect a proactive approach to ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of your private keys within a PKI environment.
Configure Private Keys As Non-Exportable for Enhanced Security
As a fundamental rule in PKI management, safeguarding your X.509 private key is paramount. If the private key is not stored in a secure hardware smart card or configured correctly, it can be easily moved off the device, introducing security vulnerabilities and risks.
When configuring your private key, it is essential to avoid marking it as exportable. Enabling the exportability of the private key allows individuals with permission to access it to export it into a Portable Exchange Format (PFX) file.
Restricting access to the private key is crucial, and configuring it as non-exportable is a straightforward method to enhance its security.
However, it is worth noting that correct configuration alone does not guarantee that all devices cannot export their private keys, as attackers may find ways to circumvent these restrictions.
To address this concern, SecureW2 implements an additional layer of protection that prevents certificates from being exported or stolen from a device. Private keys are always generated within the device, eliminating potential compromise during transit.
Limit User Access to Private Keys
Irrespective of whether your private key is stored on hardware or a local system, limiting access to resources to only those who require it is always considered a best practice.
In hardware-based private key storage, it is essential to restrict access to the devices. Implement measures to track and monitor the whereabouts of hardware devices at all times. Leverage your directory systems to enforce strict user access controls. Let us understand.
Using Local Filesystem for Private Key Storage:
Utilizing a hardware storage solution may be challenging and costly in specific scenarios. For instance, web servers, whether physical or virtual, are often distributed across numerous locations, making the adoption of hardware storage prohibitive. In such cases, generating and storing the private key on a local filesystem is a viable solution.
It is crucial to emphasize that the private key generation should occur on the same system and local filesystem as the storage location. Transferring the key from a server to the local system and storing it introduces unnecessary vulnerabilities.
The goal is to minimize the chances of compromising the private key, so generating and storing it in a unified environment reduces risks effectively.
Many existing products generate and store private keys on a server, making them susceptible to interception during client transmission. Additionally, storing all private keys in one location creates a single point of compromise if the server is breached.
Unfortunately, some products adopt this approach for convenience rather than prioritizing security.
CertAccord Enterprise, on the other hand, adheres to the best practice of generating and storing private keys on the local filesystem. This solution ensures that private keys are never transmitted over the network or stored on external systems, mitigating potential vulnerabilities.
Ensure the Safety of Your Private Keys
With the escalating threat of cybercrime, using certificates has become increasingly crucial for safeguarding organizational data. Ensuring the security of your private keys serves as the foundation of a robust PKI infrastructure.
By implementing proper configuration, limiting access to authorized individuals, and employing additional protective measures, you can fortify the security of your private keys and establish a robust PKI framework.
Wrap up
Following these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of vital private compromises and enhance the overall security of your digital infrastructure. Securing private keys requires a proactive and holistic approach encompassing technology, processes, and employee awareness.
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