The first step in implementing any PKI based security solution is to understand the requirements. KeyStep 1 shows how these requirements can be clearly identified and analyzed providing possible solutions for consideration. Analysis of the costs and business benefits and the provision of suitable project planning schemes are both integral to KeyStep 1. Once the requirements are known, the next step is to produce an operating model and to design the chosen PKI architecture. At this stage, PKI enabling of end user applications is also considered, allowing parallel development.
Any security system is dependent on the way it is operated.
KeySteps helps define the operating procedures and controls necessary to make sure that that the PKI security system remains effective. They provide the basis of trust between the various entities and may form part of the contractual framework. KeySteps provides a comprehensive checklist of issues that need to be considered and a set of template documentation. KeyStep's PLOT documentation methodology makes it simple to see what documents are required at each level of the PKI hierarchy and to focus each document to the intended audience. In addition, at this stage, the way in which the PKI is to be supported is clearly identified.