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Futurex Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) & Certificate Authority (CA):

The solution for scalable and trusted encryption.

Table of Contents

PKI & Certificate Authority Solutions:

Protect your business in the face of today's data encryption crisis

 

Index

Public Key Infrastructure is the foundation of enterprise security.

 

Modern hardware security modules provide the secure backbone for your entire cryptographic infrastructure, from robust encryption key generation and lifecycle management to advanced vaultless tokenization capabilities.

Futurex hardware security modules (HSMs) seamlessly integrate Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Certificate Authority Solutions (CA) functions while providing the essential application-level encryption to protect data in transit and at rest, creating a unified security framework that adapts to your business needs.

If your cryptographic assets are not properly protected, your entire security strategy is vulnerable.

That's why many of the world's top 10 banks, financial technology companies, and leading global enterprises rely on Futurex Hardware Security Modules (HSMs).

HSM Pillar_CH Sun

  • Only HSM provider in the cloud with a decade of experience - ensures compliance and reduces latency while improving HA/DR
  • Seamless security in the cloud and on-premises: hybrid encryption solutions for AWS, Google, Azure and private data centers
  • Only HSM provider with up to 75 virtual HSMs per host - with support for different firmware on each instance
  • Integrated compliance - FIPS 140-2 level 3, PCI-HSM, PCI-DSS, PCI-PIN, PQC, GDPR, LGDP, eIDAS, HIPAA, etc.
  • Only HSM vendor with a single unified platform: no more silos created from multiple procurement products
  • Only HSM provider built, engineered, and wholly owned in the USA.

Ready to see how Futurex can future-proof your encryption strategy?

What are PKI & Certificate Authority Solutions? Why are they essential for data encryption?

 

What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?

A core function of CryptoHub is serving as the foundation for your organization's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). It can act as a Certificate Authority, Registration Authority, and more.

You can also use the CryptoHub with your current PKI infrastructure, giving you flexibility in managing certificates.

What is a PKI_how does pki work_blog image


Many organizations rely on asymmetric public and private keys to control access to their data and resources. Securing your data by using these key pairs and digital certificates requires sophisticated hardware, software, management, and organizational policies.

Together, these elements form a network of security known as Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Specific implementations of PKI vary widely from organization to organization. However, despite the differences in their implementations, all PKI systems focus on creating, storing, distributing, and managing digital certificates.

These digital certificates (often just called certificates) cryptographically bind a public key to an individual entity (a person, device, application, or entire organization) for identification and authentication.


What is a Certificate Authority (CA)?

In a PKI, a Certificate Authority (CA) signs, issues, stores, and manages digital certificates. These certificates associate a public key with a specific individual or organization, enabling them to use their private keys to establish authenticity and security.

CAs are the foundation for digital trust in a PKI by issuing and managing the certificates. A CA governs all aspects of the certificate lifecycle, including the following tasks:

  • Generate key pairs
  • Issue certificates
  • Distribute a certificate directory
  • Revoke invalid certificates
  • Publish certificate revocation lists
  • Destroy keying material

What is a Certificate?

A digital certificate, a data structure generally contained in a specific file, provides information to identify and verify an individual, device, or other entity.

This identifying information typically includes the entity name, the public key associated with that entity, and a CA signature endorsing the information contained within the certificate (unless it's acting as a root CA). 

The certificate usually includes entity information such as the country of origin, serial number, company, or IP address. Additionally, the certificate fields include metadata, such as the certificate validity period, the tree of certificates that endorses the certificate, and the permitted uses of the certificate.

Anticipating the challenges_adopting the cloud_blog image (1)

PKI Compliance - More Than an HSM: Without the right policies in place, you risk audit failures, security gaps, and potential legal issues. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud technologies, they encounter new challenges in managing PKI across various environments while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance.

The Futurex Difference: PKI Train of Trust

 

How PKI Works

The PKI trust model relies on a hierarchical chain anchored by root certificates. Operating systems and browsers maintain trust stores that contain pre-installed root CA certificates from recognized authorities.

When an application receives a certificate, it validates the entire chain to a trusted root. This process confirms the certificate's authenticity and builds confidence in the connection.

Certificate Hierarchy

PKI hierarchies follow a multi-tier structure for both security and scalability. Root CAs issue and sign intermediate CA certificates. These intermediates handle day-to-day certificate issuance across enterprises.

This separation reduces the risk of root CA compromise while enabling large organizations to manage certificates efficiently.

Futurex Advantage Over Legacy HSMs

Most legacy hardware security modules (HSMs) fall short in performance, flexibility, and compliance. Futurex resolves all three.

Removing encryption bottlenecks

Virtualization: Reducing costs, expanding capacity

  • A single Futurex HSM can operate as 75 independent HSMs.

  • Cuts hardware costs without sacrificing protection.

  • Enables secure growth across enterprise environments.

Connecting performance to trust
Futurex HSMs' orchestration and automation capabilities support the integrity of the PKI trust chain. By processing certificates and keys at scale without delays or compromises, organizations maintain global trust while meeting compliance demands.

Why the Chain of Trust Matters

The chain of trust ensures every certificate validates through a continuous path of trusted relationships. If any certificate in the chain is compromised or invalid, the trust for the entire chain collapses.

This design enables billions of devices worldwide to authenticate each other through trusted root anchors, supporting global digital trust at scale.
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Future-proof compliance and security

  • PCI HSM v3.0, FIPS 140-2 Level 3, eIDAS, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, PCI-PIN, PQC, GDPR, LGDP, and more

The silent killer of compliance audits - Small configuration errors in your hardware security modules (HSMs) could put your company at risk of million-dollar fines, and how Futurex helps automate compliance for worry-free security. If you don't have the expertise or time, let our team do it for you, from key managed services to full implementation and management.

 

See general-purpose HSMs - for secure encryption and key management →

Futurex general-purpose hardware security modules (HSMs) offer versatile encryption and secure key management suitable for a variety of applications, such as data encryption, digital signatures, and certificate management. Compliant with industry standards such as FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated cryptographic processing systems.

 

See Payment HSM: for secure and P2PE → secure transactions.

Futurex Payment Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) provide unprecedented security for financial transactions, ensuring PCI DSS compliance and enhancing trust in payment systems. It offers robust encryption and key management, safeguarding sensitive payment data from fraud and breaches. Designed for high availability and scalability, Futurex Payment HSM is a reliable choice for securing financial transactions.

 

See HSM in the cloud: for scalable → data protection.

Futurex cloud hardware security modules (HSMs) offer scalable and secure key management and encryption for cloud environments, ensuring robust data protection and regulatory compliance. They integrate seamlessly with public and private cloud services, providing flexible and reliable security solutions. Futurex cloud HSMs enable organizations to protect their cloud-based assets with confidence and ease.

Futurex cloud payment hsms processing 90% cost reduction

Case studies: How Futurex hardware security modules protect the world's biggest brands

 

Banking and payments: secure PIN encryption, card issuance, ATMs, mobile wallets.

How Futurex stops middleman attacks before they start - The security hole hackers exploit in outdated hardware security modules (HSMs) (and why Futurex's zero trust architecture blocks it).

Watch this on-demand video, "The benefits of eliminating crypto proliferation." 

Retail and e-commerce - Protect point-of-sale transactions, loyalty programs, and gift cards.

Cloud security - Encrypt data in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with VirtuCrypt.

The one-click cloud security solution - Instantly deploy Futurex on AWS, Google, and Azure with no operational risk.

Watch this on-demand video, "How to Solve the Challenges of Pay HSMs in the Cloud."

Enterprise PKI, CA, and IoT - Manage digital certificates, secure devices, and sign transactions.

Why leading organizations trust Futurex?

 

Case study: European payment processor: 90% cut in support costs.

→ More than 90 million transactions per day with Futurex encryption.

→ 13,000 ATMs and 400,000 POS systems supporting more than 3 million cryptographic symmetric keys.

 

Case study: EPX - 15 years of operation with Futurex HSMs .

→ More than 50 million transactions per day with Futurex encryption.

→ Seamless PCI compliance across three generations of hardware security modules (HSMs).

Futurex's HSM cloud payments solution has been central to our cloud initiatives, enabling us to efficiently scale payment services, minimize capital expenditures and provide seamless service to our customers, cementing our reputation as a leader in financial technology."

Mr. Hien Tu

CTO

Cake, Vietnam's largest digital bank

Case study: UK Bank: card issuance modernization on AWS.

→ Built 100% cloud-based banking encryption using Futurex hardware security modules (HSMs).

→ Enabled secure and instant personalization of cards without on-prem hardware.

 

Case study: Miura Systems - Remote key loading at scale.

→ Futurex reduced PCI compliance scope and encryption costs by 30%.

→Cloud-based remote key loading (RKL) for millions of devices worldwide.

Futurex vs. The Competition

 
Comparison Table
Don't settle for outdated hardware security modules .
Futurex outperforms its competitors in innovation, scalability, speed of deployment and ease of management.

Next steps: secure your PKI & CA encryption strategy now.

 
  • Book a 30-minute consultation → Get a customized security roadmap.
  • Test Futurex with a proof of concept (PoC) → See how it really performs in your environment.
  • Quick and easy deployment → On-premise, cloud or hybrid: whatever best suits your security needs.
  •  
  • Download integration guides
    Speak with a security expert

Talk to a security expert

 

Talk to a Futurex Security Expert about Strategic Cloud Security Investments

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PKI and TLS?

PKI represents the comprehensive infrastructure framework, while TLS certificates are specific applications of PKI technology. PKI encompasses the entire certificate management ecosystem, whereas TLS focuses on web communication security. 

How do browsers decide which CAs to trust? 

Browsers maintain trust stores containing pre-installed root certificates from established certificate authorities. These trust decisions involve rigorous security assessments and ongoing compliance monitoring. Major browser vendors collaborate through initiatives like CA/Browser Forum to maintain trust standards. 

Can I run my own certificate authority? 

Organizations can deploy private certificate authorities for internal use. However, privately issued certificates won't be trusted by external systems without additional configuration. Private CAs work well for internal applications but require public CAs for external-facing services. 

What happens if a root certificate expires? 

Root certificate expiration requires coordinated updates across all dependent systems. Organizations must plan certificate hierarchy renewals to prevent widespread service disruptions. Proper certificate lifecycle planning prevents root expiration emergencies.