Certificate Authority (CA)

eMudhra’s Certificate Authority (CA) infrastructure is architected for maximum security and future‑proof flexibility. By combining Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) with a modular, crypto‑agile design, the CA protects key material at all times and enables seamless transitions to post‑quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms.

1. HSM‑Powered Key Generation & Storage

• Secure Key Lifecycle
  • All private keys—root, intermediate, and end‑entity—are generated within FIPS‑140‑2/3‑certified HSMs.
  • Keys never leave the HSM boundary in clear text: signing and key‑management operations occur inside the hardware vault.
• Multi‑Tenant & Multi‑Partition Support
  • Logical partitions isolate different use cases (SSL/TLS, code‑signing, client‑auth), ensuring separation of duties.
  • Role‑based access controls (RBAC) enforce strict operator privileges for key usage, backup, and recovery.
• High‑Availability & Disaster Recovery
  • HSM clusters replicate key material across geo‑distributed nodes.
  • Secure backup/export procedures use split‑key (M-of‑N) schemes to prevent single‑point compromise.

2. Crypto‑Agile, Pluggable Architecture

• Abstraction Layer for Cryptography
  • The CA’s signing engine is decoupled from certificate management logic via a Crypto Provider Interface (CPI).
  • New algorithms—classical or PQC—can be “plugged in” by deploying updated modules without rewriting core CA code.
• Template‑Driven Algorithm Policies
  • Administrators define certificate profiles that specify approved signature schemes (e.g., ECDSA, RSA, Dilithium).
  • Policy engine enforces algorithm constraints during CSR processing and renewal flows.

3. Seamless PQC Migration Workflows

• Hybrid Certificate Issuance
  • eMudhra CA supports dual‑algorithm certificates combining classical and PQC signatures (e.g., ECDSA + CRYSTALS‑Dilithium).
  • Clients negotiate the strongest supported algorithm, ensuring “quantum‑safe” fallback.
• Automated Renewal & Re‑Issuance
  • Upon PQC module availability, CLM policies trigger bulk renewal: new hybrid or pure‑PQC certificates are issued and deployed automatically.
  • Blue‑green deployment patterns validate new certificates alongside active ones before cut‑over—zero downtime guaranteed.
• HSM Firmware & Module Updates
  • HSM vendors supply PQC‑enabled firmware; eMudhra’s orchestration automates safe in‑place updates and key migration.
  • Dual‑key storage lets organizations generate both classical and PQC keys concurrently, simplifying phased roll‑outs.

4. Business Benefits & Future‑Proofing

• Unbroken Cryptographic Integrity: HSM‑anchored key operations eliminate exposure risks, while crypto‑agile design shields against emerging threats.
• Zero‑Trust Assurance: Strict hardware controls, RBAC, and immutable audit logs align with zero‑trust security models.
• Quantum‑Safe Transition: Hybrid issuance and automated PQC migrations protect recorded traffic and data—mitigating “harvest‑now, decrypt‑later” attacks.
• Operational Continuity: Pluggable modules and policy‑driven renewals ensure the PKI can evolve without service interruptions or redeployments.

By leveraging HSMs for iron‑clad key protection and embracing a crypto‑agile framework, eMudhra’s CA infrastructure exemplifies How a CA Works today—and tomorrow.