In the world of IT environments, secrets are managed with varying degrees of success. Some are well-protected, while others fly under the radar. Let’s take a look at the types of secrets companies typically manage and the one crucial type they often overlook:
- Passwords [x]
- TLS certificates [x]
- Accounts [x]
- SSH keys ???
While passwords, TLS certificates, and accounts are usually secured using privileged access management (PAM) solutions, SSH keys often go unnoticed. Traditional PAM vendors struggle to manage SSH keys effectively due to technological limitations.
Unlocking the Mystery of SSH Keys
SSH keys serve as access credentials in the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, functioning similarly to passwords but with distinct differences. Keys significantly outnumber passwords in many IT environments, with the ratio often being 10:1. The critical aspect to note is that while only specific passwords grant privilege, virtually all SSH keys provide access to valuable resources.
Additionally, a single key can unlock multiple servers, analogous to a master key in a grand estate. An admin root key, for instance, grants administrative access to one or more servers. Through a risk assessment, one of our clients identified a root key that granted access to all their servers.
Notably, anyone can generate SSH keys independently, leading to unregulated key proliferation. This decentralized approach contributes to the prevalence of unauthorized keys in extensive IT environments.
Furthermore, keys lack inherent identities, simplifying the process of sharing or duplicating them, even with third parties. By default, keys never expire, posing a perpetual security risk.
Moreover, SSH facilitates both interactive and automated connections, with the latter being more common. Organizations, including many of our clients, often lack control over machine SSH credentials, exposing them to potential security threats.
It’s evident that SSH keys represent a colossal challenge in IT security, warranting immediate attention.
The Inadequacy of Traditional PAMs in Managing SSH Keys
Traditional PAMs face inherent limitations in managing SSH keys due to the unique functionalities of keys compared to passwords. Legacy PAMs, designed primarily for safeguarding passwords, falter when tasked with managing keys effectively.
Moreover, comprehensive SSH key management necessitates key discovery, a task that most traditional PAMs struggle to accomplish. To address this gap, a specialized approach is essential, as elaborated in the following document:
Enhancing Your PAM with SSH Key Management
Even if you successfully manage all your passwords, neglecting SSH key management implies overlooking a significant portion of your critical credentials. As the original creators of the SSH protocol, we possess unparalleled expertise in SSH key management.
Embracing Credential-less Access for Future-Proof Security
In adapting to modern IT environments characterized by dynamic infrastructure components like cloud servers and containers, traditional PAMs fall short. We advocate for a cutting-edge, credential-less approach that offers ephemeral access, eliminating the need for password and key management.
By transitioning to a future-proof security solution that ensures passwordless and keyless access, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate security risks.
Embracing Change for a Secure Future
Our innovative solution has garnered rave reviews from our customers, who laud its efficacy and user-friendly design. By embracing modern security practices, organizations can effectively safeguard their digital assets and streamline their operations.
For more insights on next-generation access and secrets management, explore our PrivX Zero Trust Suite to discover a comprehensive approach to security management.