Global telecom PKI modernisation

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Sanitised engagement (Telecommunications)

Global telecom — PKI modernisation & global hierarchy redesign

Serving as the Principal PKI Architect Steve Monti of SafeCipher delivered this engagement personally under the SafeCipher banner. Client details are withheld; outcomes focus on availability, auditability, and crypto risk reduction.

Context

  • Legacy AD CS sprawl across regions; limited ceremony evidence and inconsistent profiles
  • IoT/network device identity growth; need for automated enrollment at scale
  • Mandate for stronger key custody (HSM), HA/DR, and clearer CP/CPS governance

What Was Done

  • Designed a layered hierarchy: offline root, regional issuing CAs, dedicated profiles for server, mTLS, device/IoT, and code signing
  • Moved key material into HSM custody (on-prem/managed by region) with M-of-N ceremonies and audited evidence
  • Standardised certificate profiles & naming; rebuilt template taxonomy and EKU policy
  • Refreshed CP/CPS, authored ceremony SOPs, and implemented role segregation with PAM
  • Implemented automated enrollment: AD autoenrollment, EST/ACME, and API issuance; validated priority applications
  • Hardened publishing: HA OCSP, fast CRL distribution, CDN caching, and health monitoring integrated with SIEM

Outcomes

  • Zero-downtime cutover for priority services; governed rollout for remaining estates
  • Consistent issuance SLOs across regions; reduced emergency renewals
  • Auditable ceremonies and CP/CPS documentation; evidence pack delivered and accepted by stakeholders
  • IoT/device onboarding at scale via EST/ACME with standard profiles and automated renewal
  • Clear PQC posture with hybrid-cert pilot plan (where feasible) and crypto-agility guidance

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Engagement details have been generalised for confidentiality. Names/logos are not used and do not imply endorsement.