PKI Services, Cloud PKI & Enterprise Trust Architecture
Reference standards: NIST SP 800 Cryptographic Publications .
SafeCipher provides expert PKI design, PKI consulting, certificate lifecycle governance, cloud PKI architecture and HSM-anchored trust services for organisations operating hybrid, cloud and on-prem environments. We specialise in modernising legacy ADCS estates, designing secure CA hierarchies, integrating PKI with HSM/KMS platforms, and preparing enterprises for post-quantum PKI transition.
PKI Services & Guides from SafeCipher
For related cryptographic capabilities, see our HSM Services hub .
This page acts as the hub for SafeCipher PKI and trust services. Use it as a starting point for exploring:
What Is PKI and Why It Still Matters
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) provides the certificate-based trust fabric that underpins TLS, VPNs, code signing, secure email, device identity and Zero Trust access control. When PKI is poorly designed or poorly governed, outages and trust failures can cascade across entire estates.
SafeCipher focuses on PKI architectures that are:
- Rooted in HSM-backed keys with strong separation of duties
- Documented through CP/CPS and governance frameworks
- Aligned with Zero Trust identity and access models
- Ready for crypto-agility and post-quantum transition
Core PKI Topics We Help With
- Root CA and issuing CA hierarchy design
- On-prem ADCS modernisation and cleanup
- Cloud PKI models anchored in HSMs
- Certificate lifecycle and governance
On-Prem PKI vs Cloud PKI
Many organisations are still running legacy, on-prem Active Directory Certificate Services (ADCS) deployments that have grown organically. Others are exploring cloud-based PKI and CA services anchored in cloud HSMs. SafeCipher helps you evaluate and design the right model.
On-Prem & Hybrid PKI
For organisations with deep on-prem dependencies or OT/IoT estates, on-prem and hybrid PKI often remains essential. We support:
- Rationalisation of existing ADCS deployments
- Designing offline roots and issuing CA tiers
- Integration with HSMs for CA key protection
- Migration paths that minimise certificate outages
Cloud PKI & HSM-Backed CAs
For cloud-first programmes, PKI can be anchored in cloud HSM services and integrated with platform identity, containers and workloads. We design:
- Cloud PKI integrated with Azure, AWS and Google
- Hybrid PKI that spans on-prem and cloud workloads
- PKI designs that support Zero Trust architectures
Overview: Cloud PKI & HSM Services
PKI, HSMs & KMS – Working Together
PKI does not sit in isolation. Certificate authorities, HSMs and cloud Key Management Services (KMS) together define how identities and encryption keys are handled across your estate. We help you understand where PKI should integrate with:
- Application and API gateways
- Device and workload identity platforms
- Cloud HSM and KMS architectures
- Existing IAM and directory services
Deep dive: HSM Integration with KMS for Hybrid PKI
PKI Governance, Audits & Crypto Hygiene
Many PKI outages and security issues are the result of missing governance rather than missing technology. SafeCipher provides governance and audit services that bring PKI back under control.
- Assessment of existing PKI and certificate usage
- Identification of “shadow PKI” and unmanaged CAs
- Documentation of CP/CPS and operating procedures
- Cryptographic hardware and software audits
Learn more: Cryptographic Hardware & Software Audits
PKI Migration & Modernisation
Migrating PKI – especially when it underpins VPNs, Wi-Fi, line-of-business apps and OT/IoT devices – can be high risk if not planned correctly. SafeCipher works with enterprises to design PKI migration programmes that are staged, tested and well-governed.
Common PKI Migration Scenarios
- Consolidating multiple legacy ADCS forests
- Replacing weak algorithms and key sizes
- Moving CA keys into HSM-backed environments
- Introducing modern issuance workflows and automation
Related SafeCipher Services
Quantum PKI Transition & Crypto-Agility
Post-quantum cryptography will directly impact PKI, certificate profiles and the way trust anchors are handled. SafeCipher helps you understand how Mosca’s theorem and NIST PQC work translate into practical PKI and HSM roadmaps.
- Assessing where classical PKI is most exposed
- Introducing crypto-agility into PKI design
- Planning quantum-ready CA hierarchy evolution
- Coordinating PKI changes with HSM and application teams
Work With SafeCipher on PKI
PKI is foundational: when it goes wrong, everything from VPN to device access to production applications is affected. SafeCipher provides vendor-neutral PKI consulting that focuses on robust design, governance and long-term cryptographic safety.
- PKI architecture and design reviews
- ADCS remediation and cloud PKI adoption
- Integration with HSM, KMS and IAM platforms
- PKI and certificate lifecycle governance
- Quantum-aware PKI and crypto-agility planning