Sensor Certificate Lifecycle Manager for Automated Network Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current enterprise network management systems face challenges in automating the generation and management of EAP-TLS certificates for troubleshooting, which requires manual intervention and poses security risks due to the need for manual download and upload of certificates, and lack control over the certificate lifecycle.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sensor certificate lifecycle manager within the network management system to automate the generation, provisioning, and management of unique signed certificates for sensors, enabling zero-touch onboarding and centralized control over certificate lifecycle, including revocation and reassignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual certificate download and upload is used for sensor onboarding, then certificate provisioning can be completed, but security risks increase and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service certificate provisioning where sensors automatically obtain certificates from the certificate authority through automated workflows. The network management system automatically downloads certificates from the certificate authority and provisions them to sensors without requiring manual user intervention, eliminating the security risks associated with manual certificate handling while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management system acts as an intermediary between the certificate authority and sensors. It receives certificate requests from sensors, communicates with the certificate authority to obtain certificates, and then provisions the certificates to the appropriate sensors. This automated intermediary process eliminates the need for manual certificate download and upload, reducing security risks while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual certificate management is implemented, then certificate provisioning can be performed, but automation level remains low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors automatically initiate certificate requests and the network management system automatically manages the entire certificate lifecycle including generation, distribution, renewal, and revocation. This self-service automated approach eliminates manual intervention entirely, achieving high automation levels while simplifying the certificate provisioning process through standardized workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring automated workflows for certificate management. When sensors are onboarded, the system automatically initiates certificate requests, receives certificates from the certificate authority, and provisions them to sensors without waiting for manual intervention. This preliminary automation of the entire process eliminates time-consuming manual steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If exportable certificates are used for troubleshooting, then authentication can be replicated, but security concerns arise from certificate misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by making certificates non-exportable and device-specific. Each sensor receives a certificate that is bound to its unique identity and can only be used by that specific sensor for authentication purposes. This localized certificate binding maintains the ability to replicate authentication scenarios for troubleshooting while preventing certificate misuse on unauthorized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses short-lived, disposable certificates that are automatically generated for specific troubleshooting purposes and automatically revoked after use. Instead of using long-term exportable certificates, the system creates temporary certificates that have limited validity periods and specific usage purposes, eliminating security risks from certificate misuse while maintaining troubleshooting capabilities.
4Extent of automation
If centralized certificate management is implemented, then control over certificate lifecycle is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network management system implements a universal certificate management module that handles multiple certificate operations including generation, distribution, renewal, and revocation through a single integrated interface. This multi-functional approach provides centralized control over the entire certificate lifecycle while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate management systems by consolidating all certificate management functions into one unified system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provided for a sensor certificate lifecycle manager for a network management system of an enterprise network for the automated generation of unique certificates for sensors used to act like a client device in the enterprise network for the purposes of troubleshooting. Furthermore, the network management and command center in association with the sensor certificate lifecycle manager manages a pool of signed unique certificates and have control over the lifecycle of such certificates, such as for revoking, transferring, and reassigning certificates for the sensors.