When it comes to PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), there are many different ways to manage and deploy it. One of the most popular methods these days is a cloud-based management system, also known as PKI as a Service. This system offers many benefits over traditional on-premises deployments, including scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. This article will look at the benefits and best providers on the market today.
What is PKI
PKI is a system used to manage digital certificates and public-private key pairs. A PKI system usually consists of a certificate authority (CA), responsible for issuing and revoking certificates, and a registration authority (RA), which manages user certificate requests. PKI uses a public key to encrypt data that a private key can only decrypt. This kind of encryption is called asymmetric encryption and is used in many different applications, such as secure email and file sharing.
Benefits of PKI as a Service
There are many benefits to using PKI as a service, including stability, security, and scalability. PKI as a service can provide greater stability than traditional on-premises deployments. With PKI as a service, organizations can outsource the management of their PKI infrastructure to a third-party provider. This can free up valuable resources and allow organizations to focus on their core business goals.
PKI as a service can provide greater security than traditional on-premises deployments. With PKI as a service, organizations can utilize the provider’s security and disaster recovery expertise. PKI as a service can also provide greater scalability than traditional on-premises deployments. With PKI as a service, organizations can easily scale up or down their PKI infrastructure as needed.
PKI as a service can also provide greater flexibility than traditional on-premises deployments. With PKI as a service, organizations can choose from various providers and customize their PKI infrastructure to meet their specific needs.
Top Five PKI as-a-Service Providers:
When choosing a PKI as a service provider, there are many factors to consider, such as price, features, and customer support. Cost is, of course, a primary concern for any organization. However, it is essential to remember that PKI as a service is a long-term investment. The upfront cost may be higher than traditional on-premises deployments, but the long-term cost savings can be significant.
When considering features, it is important to consider what type of features you need. Some standard features include certificate management, key management, and disaster recovery. It is also essential to consider the provider’s customer support. You will want to choose a provider that offers excellent customer support if you have any problems with your PKI infrastructure.
The level of customer support offered by the PKI service is also crucial. Customer support should be able to help you with any problems with the infrastructure.
The following is a list of five of the top PKI as a service providers on the market:
1. Keyfactor
Keyfactor is a PKI as a service provider that offers a variety of features, including certificate management, key management, and disaster recovery. Keyfactor also provides excellent customer support. Because of its high level of customer support, Keyfactor is a perfect choice for businesses that are new to PKI. The review site G2 Crowd gives Keyfactor a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.
2. GlobalSign
GlobalSign is another PKI as a service provider that offers a variety of features. Created in 1996, GlobalSign is one of the oldest PKI providers. It is also the only PKI as a service provider on this list that is accredited by the WebTrust program. In addition, GlobalSign offers excellent customer support. And the review site TrustRadius gives GlobalSign an 8.0 out of 10 rating.
3. Entrust Datacard
What truly sets Entrust Datacard apart is its focus on security. Entrust Datacard is a PKI as a service provider that offers features such as certificate management, key management, and disaster recovery. In addition, Entrust Datacard also offers a variety of security-related features, such as two-factor authentication and malware detection. And the review site TrustRadius gives Entrust Datacard an 8.3 out of 10 rating.
4. Symantec
Symantec is an excellent service for organizations looking for a provider with a lot of experience. The company is known for its Norton antivirus software. Symantec also offers a variety of PKI-related features, including certificate management, key management, and disaster recovery. G2 Crowd gives Symantec a 4 out of 5 stars rating.
5. DigiCert
DigiCert is another PKI as a service provider that offers certificate management, key management, and disaster recovery. What sets DigiCert apart from the other providers on this list is its focus on automation. With DigiCert, you can automate the issuance and renewal of certificates. This can save your organization a lot of time and money. It received a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating from G2 Crowd.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a PKI as a service provider, it is crucial to consider various factors. Some of the most critical factors include price, features, customer support, and level of customer support. You can secure your organization’s data and communications using a PKI with excellent asymmetrical encryption and a digital certificate. An exemplary PKI service can minimize security risks and protect your organization’s data.