Trust and security for your digital world
PKI Overview
Rely on a powerful PKI to reliably protect identities, data, and communication in your organization. Our solutions offer you maximum control, scalability, and compliance – from strategy to secure operations.
- ✓Secure authentication and encryption for users, devices, and applications
- ✓Centralized management of digital certificates and keys
- ✓Fulfillment of regulatory requirements and industry standards
- ✓Protection against identity theft, data manipulation, and unauthorized access
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PKI Overview
Our Strengths
- Years of experience in the conception and implementation of complex PKI solutions
- Vendor-independent consulting and selection of optimal technologies
- Focus on automation, scalability, and compliance
- Holistic approach: strategy, technology, processes, and governance
⚠
Expert Tip
A PKI only unfolds its full potential through consistent automation and integration into your business processes. Focus on lifecycle management and role-based access control to avoid certificate bottlenecks and security gaps. Our experience shows: Organizations that understand PKI as a strategic asset significantly increase their digital resilience.
ADVISORI in Numbers
11+
Years of Experience
120+
Employees
520+
Projects
The introduction of a PKI requires a structured, risk-oriented approach that equally considers technical, organizational, and regulatory aspects. Our approach ensures that your PKI is secure, efficient, and future-proof.
Our Approach:
Phase 1: Analysis – Requirements gathering, risk assessment, and goal definition
Phase 2: Conception – Development of a customized PKI design including governance and policies
Phase 3: Implementation – Technical realization, integration, and automation
Phase 4: Operations – Establishment of secure operational processes, monitoring, and incident response
Phase 5: Optimization – Continuous improvement and adaptation to new requirements
"A powerful PKI is the foundation for digital trustworthiness. It not only protects data and identities but also enables innovative business models and sustainable compliance in a connected world."
Sarah Richter
Head of Information Security, Cyber Security
Expertise & Experience:
10+ years of experience, CISA, CISM, Lead Auditor, DORA, NIS2, BCM, Cyber and Information Security
Our Services
We offer you tailored solutions for your digital transformation
PKI Strategy and Architecture
Development of an individual PKI strategy and future-proof architecture design that optimally supports your business goals and regulatory requirements.
- Requirements analysis and goal definition
- Design of root and sub-CA structures
- Development of governance and policy concepts
- Consideration of compliance requirements (e.g., eIDAS, GDPR)
Implementation and Integration
Technical implementation of the PKI, integration into existing systems, and automation of certificate processes for maximum efficiency and security.
- Installation and configuration of CA systems
- Automated certificate issuance and management
- Integration into cloud, IoT, and enterprise environments
- Secure key management and HSM integration
Operations and Managed Services
Secure operation of your PKI including monitoring, incident response, and continuous optimization. Optionally as a managed service by our experts.
- Operational concepts and security policies
- Monitoring and reporting
- Incident response and emergency management
- Managed PKI services by experienced specialists
Training and Awareness
Practice-oriented training and awareness programs for administrators, developers, and users for secure use and management of the PKI.
- Training for PKI administrators and users
- Awareness programs for secure certificate use
- Workshops on compliance and best practices
- Individual training concepts
Looking for a complete overview of all our services?
View Complete Service OverviewOur Areas of Expertise in Information Security
Discover our specialized areas of information security
Frequently Asked Questions about PKI Overview
What is a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and what is it used for?
🔑 A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system of policies, procedures, and technologies for managing digital certificates and cryptographic keys. It enables:
•
Secure authentication of users, devices, and services
•
Encryption of sensitive data and communication
•
Digital signatures for integrity and traceability
•
Trustworthy identities on the Internet, email, VPN, and IoT
•
Fulfillment of regulatory requirements and protection against cyberattacks
How does the interaction of Certificate Authority (CA), certificates, and keys work?
🏢 The Certificate Authority (CA) is the heart of the PKI. It:
•
Issues digital certificates and confirms identities
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Signs public keys and links them to persons or systems
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Manages revocation lists (CRL) and checks certificate status (OCSP)
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Ensures secure issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates
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Guarantees that private keys never leave the CA
What advantages does an enterprise-wide PKI solution offer?
🚀 An enterprise-wide PKI offers:
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Central, scalable management of all certificates and keys
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Automated processes for issuance, renewal, and revocation
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Fulfillment of compliance requirements (e.g., eIDAS, GDPR, ISO 27001)
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Protection against phishing, identity theft, and man-in-the-middle attacks
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Flexibility for cloud, mobile, IoT, and hybrid IT landscapes
What are the biggest challenges in operating a PKI?
⚠ ️ The biggest challenges in operating a PKI are:
•
Secure management and protection of private keys against theft
•
Complex integration into existing IT systems and processes
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Automation and monitoring of the entire certificate lifecycle
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Quick response to expiring or compromised certificates
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Compliance with regulatory requirements and regular audits
How is the security of private keys ensured in a PKI?
🔒 The security of private keys is ensured through:
•
Storage in Hardware Security Modules (HSM) or smart cards
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Strict access controls and role-based permissions
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Regular backups and secure key archiving
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Use of multi-factor authentication for key access
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Complete logging and monitoring of all key operations
What role do Certificate Revocation Lists (CRL) and OCSP play in PKI?
📜 Certificate Revocation Lists (CRL) and OCSP are essential for PKI security:
•
CRL centrally lists revoked certificates and is regularly updated
•
OCSP enables real-time status queries of individual certificates
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Both prevent the use of compromised or expired certificates
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Automated updates and distribution of revocation lists are mandatory
•
Modern PKI solutions combine CRL and OCSP for maximum security
How can a PKI be integrated into cloud and hybrid environments?
☁ ️ For integrating a PKI into cloud and hybrid environments:
•
Use of cloud-based CA services or hybrid PKI architectures
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Secure connection between on-premises and cloud systems
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Automated certificate provisioning for cloud workloads
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Integration with identity and access management solutions
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Consideration of compliance and data protection requirements
What are the best practices for certificate lifecycle management?
🔄 Best practices for certificate lifecycle management:
•
Automated issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates
•
Early notification of expiration or compromise
•
Regular review and cleanup of no longer needed certificates
•
Complete documentation and traceability of all processes
•
Use of central management tools for transparency and control
How does a PKI support Zero Trust and modern security architectures?
🛡 ️ Zero Trust & PKI:
•
Certificates enable strong, identity-based authentication for users and devices
•
Microsegmentation and access control are supported by certificates
•
Machine-to-machine communication and API access are secured
•
PKI is an integral part of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
•
Automated certificate management reduces attack surfaces and risks
What are common sources of error and risks in PKI implementation?
⚡ Typical sources of error:
•
Missing governance and unclear responsibilities
•
Insufficient planning of scalability and integration
•
Weak key and password security
•
Lack of automation leads to certificate bottlenecks
•
Incomplete documentation complicates operations and audits
What role do Certificate Revocation Lists (CRL) and OCSP play in PKI?
📜 Certificate Revocation Lists (CRL) and OCSP are essential for PKI security:
•
CRL centrally lists revoked certificates and is regularly updated
•
OCSP enables real-time status queries of individual certificates
•
Both prevent the use of compromised or expired certificates
•
Automated updates and distribution of revocation lists are mandatory
•
Modern PKI solutions combine CRL and OCSP for maximum security
How can a PKI be integrated into cloud and hybrid environments?
☁ ️ For integrating a PKI into cloud and hybrid environments:
•
Use of cloud-based CA services or hybrid PKI architectures
•
Secure connection between on-premises and cloud systems
•
Automated certificate provisioning for cloud workloads
•
Integration with identity and access management solutions
•
Consideration of compliance and data protection requirements
What are the best practices for certificate lifecycle management?
🔄 Best practices for certificate lifecycle management:
•
Automated issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates
•
Early notification of expiration or compromise
•
Regular review and cleanup of no longer needed certificates
•
Complete documentation and traceability of all processes
•
Use of central management tools for transparency and control
How does a PKI support Zero Trust and modern security architectures?
🛡 ️ Zero Trust & PKI:
•
Certificates enable strong, identity-based authentication for users and devices
•
Microsegmentation and access control are supported by certificates
•
Machine-to-machine communication and API access are secured
•
PKI is an integral part of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
•
Automated certificate management reduces attack surfaces and risks
What are common sources of error and risks in PKI implementation?
⚡ Typical sources of error:
•
Missing governance and unclear responsibilities
•
Insufficient planning of scalability and integration
•
Weak key and password security
•
Lack of automation leads to certificate bottlenecks
•
Incomplete documentation complicates operations and audits
How can PKI be used for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications?
🤖 PKI & IoT/Industry 4.0:
•
Certificates secure device identities and communication channels
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Automated certificate issuance for large device fleets
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Integration with IoT platforms and edge computing solutions
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Protection against manipulation and unauthorized access to machines
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Support for over-the-air updates and remote management
What regulatory requirements must a PKI fulfill?
📚 Regulatory & Compliance:
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Compliance with eIDAS, GDPR, ISO 27001, and industry-specific regulations
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Demonstrable processes for certificate issuance and revocation
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Ensuring data integrity and confidentiality
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Regular audits and penetration tests of PKI infrastructure
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Documentation and traceability of all security-relevant processes
How can a PKI improve the protection of emails and documents?
✉ ️ Email & Document Protection:
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Encryption of emails for confidentiality and data protection
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Digital signatures ensure the integrity and authenticity of documents
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Automated certificate assignment for users and systems
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Protection of sensitive attachments and confidential communication
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Compliance with legal requirements for electronic communication
What role does automation play in modern PKI solutions?
🤖 Automation:
•
Reduces human errors and accelerates certificate processes
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Automatic issuance, renewal, and revocation of certificates
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Integration with DevOps and ITSM tools for continuous delivery
•
Scalability for large user and device fleets
•
Increases security through timely response to threats
How can a PKI protect against insider threats?
🕵 ️
♂ ️ Protection against insiders:
•
Strict access controls and role-based permissions
•
Logging and monitoring of all key and certificate operations
•
Use of Hardware Security Modules (HSM) for key management
•
Regular audits and review of permissions
•
Compromised certificates can be immediately revoked
Success Stories
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Generative KI in der Fertigung
Bosch
KI-Prozessoptimierung für bessere Produktionseffizienz
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Verbesserung der Produktqualität durch frühzeitige Fehlererkennung
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Festo
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Reduzierung der Herstellungskosten durch effizientere Ressourcennutzung
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Siemens
Smarte Fertigungslösungen für maximale Wertschöpfung
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Verbesserung der Nachhaltigkeit durch effizientere Ressourcennutzung
Digitalisierung im Stahlhandel
Klöckner & Co
Digitalisierung im Stahlhandel
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Our clients trust our expertise in digital transformation, compliance, and risk management
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