Abstract: A method and device for confirming authenticity of a public key infrastructure (PKI) transaction event between a relying node and a subject node in a communication network enables improved network security. According to some embodiments, the method includes establishing at a PKI event logging (PEL) server a process to achieve secure communications with the relying node (step 705). Next, the PEL server processes reported PKI transaction event data received from the relying node (step 710). The reported PKI transaction event data describe the PKI transaction event between the relying node and the subject node. The reported PKI transaction event data are then transmitted from the PEL server to the subject node (step 715). The subject node can thus compare the reported PKI transaction event data with corresponding local PKI transaction event data to confirm the authenticity of the PKI transaction event.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for dynamically maintaining and updating public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate path data across remote trusted domains to enable relying parties to efficiently authenticate other nodes in an autonomous ad-hoc network. A certificate path management unit (CPMU) monitors a list of sources for an occurrence of a life cycle event capable of altering an existing PKI certificate path data. Upon determining that the life cycle event has occurred, the CPMU calculates a new PKI certificate path data to account for the occurrence of the life cycle event and provides the new PKI certificate path data to at least one of a relying party in a local domain or a remote CPMU in a remote domain.

Abstract: A method and device for distributing public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate path data enables relying nodes to efficiently authenticate other nodes in an autonomous ad-hoc network. The method includes compiling, at a certificate path management unit (CPMU), the PKI certificate path data (step 405). One or more available certificate paths are then determined at the CPMU for at least one relying node (step 410). Next, the PKI certificate path data are distributed by transmitting a certificate path data message from the CPMU to the at least one relying node (step 415). The certificate path data message includes information identifying one or more trusted certification authorities associated with the one or more available certificate paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing Certificate Revocation List (CRL) information in an ad hoc network are provided. Ad hoc nodes in an ad hoc network can each transmit one or more certificate revocation list advertisement message(s) (CRLAM(s)). Each CRLAM includes an issuer certification authority (CA) field that identifies a certification authority (CA) that issued a particular certificate revocation list (CRL), a certificate revocation list (CRL) sequence number field that specifies a number that specifies the version of the particular certificate revocation list (CRL) that was issued by the issuer certification authority (CA). Nodes that receive the CRLAMs can then use the CRL information provided in the CRLAM to determine whether to retrieve the particular certificate revocation list (CRL).

Abstract: A certificate authority selection unit implements a method for selecting one of a plurality of certificate authorities servicing a plurality of administrative domains in a communication system. The method includes: receiving, from an end-entity via an interface, a certificate service request associated with an identifier; selecting, based on the identifier, one of the plurality of administrative domains in the communication system, wherein the plurality of administrative domains are serviced by a plurality of certificate authorities; retrieving a security profile for the end-entity; and selecting, based on the security profile for the end-entity, one of the plurality of certificate authorities to process the certificate service request.

Abstract: A certificate authority selection unit implements a method for selecting one of a plurality of certificate authorities servicing a plurality of administrative domains in a communication system. The method includes: receiving, from an end-entity via an interface, a certificate service request associated with an identifier; selecting, based on the identifier, one of the plurality of administrative domains in the communication system, wherein the plurality of administrative domains are serviced by a plurality of certificate authorities; retrieving a security profile for the end-entity; and selecting, based on the security profile for the end-entity, one of the plurality of certificate authorities to process the certificate service request.

Abstract: A method and device for confirming authenticity of a public key infrastructure (PKI) transaction event between a relying node and a subject node in a communication network enables improved network security. According to some embodiments, the method includes establishing at a PKI event logging (PEL) server a process to achieve secure communications with the relying node (step 705). Next, the PEL server processes reported PKI transaction event data received from the relying node (step 710). The reported PKI transaction event data describe the PKI transaction event between the relying node and the subject node. The reported PKI transaction event data are then transmitted from the PEL server to the subject node (step 715). The subject node can thus compare the reported PKI transaction event data with corresponding local PKI transaction event data to confirm the authenticity of the PKI transaction event.

Abstract: A method and device for distributing public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate path data enables relying nodes to efficiently authenticate other nodes in an autonomous ad-hoc network. The method includes compiling, at a certificate path management unit (CPMU), the PKI certificate path data (step 405). One or more available certificate paths are then determined at the CPMU for at least one relying node (step 410). Next, the PKI certificate path data are distributed by transmitting a certificate path data message from the CPMU to the at least one relying node (step 415). The certificate path data message includes information identifying one or more trusted certification authorities associated with the one or more available certificate paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing Certificate Revocation List (CRL) information in an ad hoc network are provided. Ad hoc nodes in an ad hoc network can each transmit one or more certificate revocation list advertisement message(s) (CRLAM(s)). Each CRLAM includes an issuer certification authority (CA) field that identifies a certification authority (CA) that issued a particular certificate revocation list (CRL), a certificate revocation list (CRL) sequence number field that specifies a number that specifies the version of the particular certificate revocation list (CRL) that was issued by the issuer certification authority (CA). Nodes that receive the CRLAMs can then use the CRL information provided in the CRLAM to determine whether to retrieve the particular certificate revocation list (CRL).