Businesses can flourish online only when their data and customers’ information are secure. Therefore, the public key infrastructure (PKI) has become an essential part of a digital security strategy. It includes rules, processes, policies, and technology to manage PKI certificates, also known as digital certificates, and their associated encryption keys. By leveraging PKI management tools, you can maintain the integrity of your certificates and mitigate your data security challenges.
A PKI certificate, such as an SSL certificate, is “digital identifying proof.” It authenticates users, devices, and servers, thereby securing your business environment. But, the validity of digital certificates is for a limited time. If not renewed on time, it can interrupt business and reduce the security of your online assets. End-to-end certificate lifecycle management is needed to prevent data breaches and downtime. For that, you must invest in a certificate management system.
Four Stages in Certificate Lifecycle Systems
The stage of the certificate lifecycle includes enrollment, validation, revocation, and renewal.
Enrollment is when you apply to a certification authority (CA) requesting a certificate; once it confirms your identity, it issues it to you. The validation stage checks whether the certificate is still valid or not. And if your certificate is in the revocation stage, it means the CA has revoked your certificate before the end of its validity period due to multiple reasons; for example, when its private key – the key uniquely associated with its owner – has been compromised. The fourth stage is renewal. If you want the certificate to continue securing your electronic communication and data exchange, renew it before it expires.
Why Leverage PKI Management Tools
PKI management tools, such as the SSL manager, are needed for complete control over your certificate lifecycle management. Here are some of the reasons why they are essential for your business.
Automation
PKI management tools eliminate the need to monitor the lifecycle of your certificate using a spreadsheet. They automate every stage of your certificate lifecycle – from issuance to renewal.
Get Notifications & Alerts
You receive real-time alerts and notifications when the certificate is compromised or is expiring. That ensures that your credentials are kept up to date, and threats are thwarted.
Granular Level of Visibility
A certificate management system is a centralized tool, which means you can manage all your certificates from a single interface. Because of that, you have a granular level of visibility. The device lets you detect threats and compliance risks in real-time. That ensures you adhere to security requirements and the industry’s policies and standards.
Strict Access Control
The tool offers the benefit of strict access control. It ensures that only an authorized person can access and manage the system.
Guards Private Keys
The PKI uses a pair of keys, public and private. The PKI management tool guards the private key, ensuring no one else uses it.
Secure Business Environment with PKI Manager
PKI secures your end-to-end communication. And PKI manager is central to keeping this communication channel secure, as it allows you to manage hundreds of digital certificates effectively. With Sectigo’s certificate management solutions featuring PKI management tools, you can manage all your digital certificates. That will enhance the security of your business environment.
