eMudhra embeds FIPS‑certified Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) at the core of its CA and CLM architecture to safeguard private keys and enable seamless roll‑outs of post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms. Here’s how the integration works:

  1. FIPS‑Certified HSM Deployment
  • Root & Intermediate CAs in HSMs
    • Offline Root HSMs: Air‑gapped, FIPS 140‑2 Level 3 modules hold root‑CA private keys, used only for signing intermediate‑CA certificates.
    • Online Issuing HSM Clusters: FIPS 140‑2 Level 3 modules in high‑availability clusters host intermediate and issuing CA keys for SSL/TLS, code‑signing, and client‑auth certificates.
  • Logical Partitioning & Role Separation
    • Multiple logical partitions isolate key‑sets (SSL vs. code‑signing vs. e‑sign) within the same HSM hardware.
    • Role‑based access control requires distinct operator credentials for key‑generation, key‑activation, and key‑export functions.
  1. Secure Key Lifecycle Management

Stage

HSM‑Backed Operation

eMudhra Integration Point

Key Generation

Keys are generated internally within HSM—never exposed in clear text.

CLM portal/API triggers HSM to create keys per certificate template.

Key Storage

Private keys reside encrypted in protected HSM memory.

CA signing operations invoke HSM APIs; keys never leave hardware.

Key Backup & Restore

Split‑key (M‑of‑N) backup schemes secure key‑material offsite.

CLM automates backup workflows with multi‑party authorization.

Key Rotation

Old keys archived in HSM; new keys generated on schedule.

Renewal policies in CLM invoke HSM for new key‑pair creation.

Key Destruction

Secure zeroization ensures retired keys cannot be recovered.

CLM lifecycle stage “Retire” issues zeroize commands to HSM.

 

  1. Crypto‑Agile Architecture & PQC Readiness
  • Pluggable Crypto Provider Interface
    • The CA’s signing engine abstracts cryptographic algorithms behind a provider interface. HSMs load native modules for classical (RSA, ECDSA) and PQC (e.g., CRYSTALS‑Dilithium, Kyber) algorithms as they become available.
    • No core‑CA code changes are needed when adding new algorithms—HSM firmware updates and module deployments suffice.
  • Hybrid & Pure‑PQC Certificate Profiles
    • Hybrid Certificates: CLM templates can request dual‑signature certificates (classical + PQC) so clients negotiate the strongest supported algorithm.
    • Phased Roll‑Out: Administrators pilot PQC issuance on non‑critical intermediates; once validated, templates propagate to production CAs and end‑entity renewals.
  • Automated Firmware & Module Updates
    • eMudhra coordinates with HSM vendors to test and deploy PQC‑enabled firmware in lab clusters.
    • Upon certification, CLM issues orchestrated update jobs to apply new firmware across geo‑distributed HSMs—ensuring consistency and minimal downtime.
  1. End‑to‑End PQC Roll‑Out Workflow
  1. Capability Assessment & Lab Testing
    • Deploy PQC firmware on isolated HSMs, validate algorithm performance, and verify interoperability with TLS stacks and code‑signing tools.
  2. Template & Policy Definition
    • Create new CLM certificate profiles specifying PQC or hybrid algorithms, set approval gates for pilot usage.
  3. Pilot Issuance
    • Issue test certificates via PQC‑enabled HSM partitions, monitor client compatibility, and gather telemetry.
  4. Gradual Expansion
    • Update production HSM clusters, roll out PQC templates to additional CA tiers, and automate bulk renewals via CLM policies.
  5. Full Migration & Monitoring
    • Retire classical‑only profiles once adoption thresholds met; continuously monitor CT logs and revocation feeds for PQC certificate health.

Business Benefits

  • Iron‑Clad Key Security: FIPS‑certified HSMs guarantee private keys are never exposed, even during high‑speed PQC operations.
  • Future‑Proof Trust: Crypto‑agile design allows rapid adoption of next‑generation algorithms with zero‑touch updates.
  • Regulatory Assurance: HSM certifications and PQC pilot logs support compliance with emerging quantum‑resilience guidelines.
  • Seamless Continuity: Hybrid issuance and phased roll‑outs minimize service impact and ensure backward compatibility during transition.

By tightly integrating FIPS‑certified HSMs with a crypto‑agile, template‑driven CLM framework, eMudhra ensures that private keys remain protected at all times—and that post‑quantum algorithm roll‑outs occur smoothly, securely, and without disruption.