Source URL: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/provisioning-and-securing-security-certificates
Source: NCSC Feed
Title: Provisioning and securing security certificates
Feedly Summary: How certificates should be initially provisioned, and how supporting infrastructure should be securely operated.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the implementation and management of X.509v3 certificates and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) necessary for securing communications in networks. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of certificates, particularly in scenarios involving either limited or extensive VPN connections.
Detailed Description: The document is a comprehensive guide on the use of X.509v3 certificates and the essential role of PKI in ensuring secure network communications. Here are the significant points and implications outlined in the text:
– **Certificate Generation**:
– Certificates should be generated on the device where they are to be used, adhering to a prescribed Security Procedure to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and generation.
– **Private Key Security**:
– Private keys associated with certificates must never leave the device to prevent potential exposure and unauthorized access.
– **Validity Period**:
– Certificates should have a validity period of one year or aligned with the expected life of the device, adding a layer of risk management.
– **Single/Low Endpoint Links**:
– For scenarios with few VPN endpoints, establishing a PKI may be overly complex. Devices can store public keys of other devices directly but must ensure authenticity to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks.
– **Multiple Network Links**:
– A robust PKI is required for more complex networks. It plays a critical role in authenticating devices interconnected over VPNs, providing services like registration and certificate validation.
– **PKI Infrastructure**:
– An x509-based PKI consists of essential components, including:
– Certificate Authority (CA)
– Registration Authority (RA)
– Root of trust
– Certificate revocation mechanisms
– These components must be safeguarded due to their attractiveness as targets for cyber attacks.
– **Offline Root Model**:
– It is best practice to maintain an offline root model for the PKI’s root component to enhance security.
– **Enrollment and Revocation Procedures**:
– Clearly defined processes for enrolling and revoking device certificates are vital, ensuring that only authorized endpoints have valid certificates within the trusted infrastructure.
– **Certificate Policy (CP) and Certification Practice Statement (CPS)**:
– For environments with multiple relying organizations, a CP and CPS must be documented. The CP outlines the PKI’s overarching policy, while the CPS details the operational procedures adhering to the CP.
– **Key Lifetimes**:
– Clearly defined expiry dates for the root CA and sub CAs are critical, ensuring that cryptographic trust boundaries are maintained effectively.
Overall, this text serves as a vital resource for compliance and security professionals involved in establishing and managing a secure PKI and certificate lifecycle in both single and multi-organization environments. The principles outlined highlight the necessity for diligent processes to protect cryptographic integrity and combat potential vulnerabilities in network security.