IA-5(2) Public Key-based Authentication
Control enhancement of IA-5 Authenticator Management
Control
For public key-based authentication:
Enforce authorized access to the corresponding private key; and
Map the authenticated identity to the account of the individual or group; and
When public key infrastructure (PKI) is used:
Validate certificates by constructing and verifying a certification path to an accepted trust anchor, including checking certificate status information; and
Implement a local cache of revocation data to support path discovery and validation.
Discussion
Public key cryptography is a valid authentication mechanism for individuals, machines, and devices. For PKI solutions, status information for certification paths includes certificate revocation lists or certificate status protocol responses. For PIV cards, certificate validation involves the construction and verification of a certification path to the Common Policy Root trust anchor, which includes certificate policy processing. Implementing a local cache of revocation data to support path discovery and validation also supports system availability in situations where organizations are unable to access revocation information via the network.
Related controls
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Control catalog and framework text on this page is reproduced from official NIST publications — a public-domain work of the U.S. Government (17 U.S.C. §105). Maverc commentary, groupings, and readiness guidance are our own and are not part of any NIST publication.