Generate & Import PKCS#12 or PEM Files Into Microsoft Azure Key Vault

Install Certificate Microsoft Azure Key Vault

Note: Due to new CA/B, All code signing certificates now stored on FIPS 140-2 or Common Criteria EAL 4+ compliant Hardware Security Module (HSM) or Yubikey USB tokensSo, code signing certificates will no longer be exportable or no direct link issuing process.  

Let’s learn how you can generate and import PKCS#12 or PEM files into Microsoft Azure Key Vault. In addition, this method is proper for Standard Code Signing Certificate (Organization Validated & Individual Validated both).

Follow the below steps to generate and import the certificate into the Microsoft Azure Key Vault:

Step 1: Select and Click Key Vault

Sign in within the Azure portal and select the options key vault where you’re looking to install your security certificate.

key vault option

Step 2: Click & Open Certificates Settings

From the Setting menu on the left side, select Certificates

open certificate setting option

Step 3: Click the Option Generate/Import Option

Go to the option Generate/Import at the top and click on the link to start the process of importing.

generate certificate

Step 4: Select the Import Option

From the Method of Certificate, Creation menu, select the option Import

Create Certificate Azure PEM

Note: RSA-HSM key type is required by DigiCert CA as of June 2023 as per new storage key requirement. So, Azure will store the certificate on FIPS 140-2 level 2 certified HSM.(Check Below Image)

RSA HSM Azure Storage DigiCert

Step 5: Enter Your Certificate Name

In the Certificate Name field, enter a unique name you would like to keep for the certificate. Make sure the name contains only alphanumeric characters and dashes.

add certificate name

Step 6: Upload Certificate

Under the Upload Certificate File option, select and click the Folder icon and browse through your PCKS#12 certificate file you wish to install.

Note: Microsoft Azure asks for extension .pfx for PKCS#12 file upload. So, if you’ve got a .p12 file, you’ll need to change it to a .pfx file.

browse file

Step 7: Enter Password of PKCS#12 File

Enter the password for your PCKS#12 file. Similarly, ensure that the password you enter is the same one you used when generating or retrieving the certificate.

enter password

Step 8: Click the Create Button

Lastly, click on the Create button.

upload file

Finished

Once you click the Create button, the certificate file and private key will get imported into the Key Vault. Similarly, it’ll be available for use.

Generate Certificate Azure Key Vault

Protect your code from unauthorized tampering and compromise with the highest level of validation with DigiCert EV Code Signing Certificate.

Janki Mehta

Janki Mehta is a Cyber-Security Enthusiast who constantly updates herself with new advancements in the Web/Cyber Security niche. Along with theoretical knowledge, she also implements her practical expertise in day-to-day tasks and helps others to protect themselves from threats.