2023, Articles, EviKey & EviDisk, EviKey NFC HSM, News, NFC HSM technology, Technical News
Secure SSH Key Storage with EviKey NFC HSM
Sep
Protect Your SSH Keys with Advanced EviKey NFC Technology
Secure SSH key storage with EviKey NFC USB. Notably, experience advanced encryption, contactless authentication, and multi-factor security for optimal protection. Moreover, discover how EviKey enhances usability while keeping your digital assets safe with state-of-the-art features
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How to Ensure Secure SSH Key Storage with the EviKey NFC USB Drive
In today’s cybersecurity landscape, securely storing your SSH keys has never been more critical. Indeed, cyber threats loom large, and protecting sensitive credentials is a priority. Balancing robust security with ease of use can be challenging; however, the EviKey NFC USB drive provides an innovative solution. Specifically, this guide will show you how EviKey’s cutting-edge technology ensures unmatched protection for your SSH keys. Whether you’re a tech expert or just beginning to explore secure key storage, you’re about to discover the ultimate tool for safeguarding your digital credentials.
Why Secure SSH Key Storage Matters
SSH keys are fundamental to secure remote server access, but improper storage practices expose them to theft, misuse, and brute force attacks. Securing these credentials is a critical step in safeguarding digital assets and maintaining operational security.
Public Key Authentication: A Superior Alternative
SSH supports two authentication methods: passwords and public keys. However, while passwords are straightforward, they are vulnerable to brute force attacks and interception. By contrast, public key authentication, which pairs a private key stored securely with a public key shared on the server, provides a more robust, secure alternative.
Challenges in Managing SSH Keys
Despite its advantages, managing SSH keys introduces challenges:
- Key Management: Handling multiple keys for different systems.
- Key Security: Protecting private keys from loss or compromise.
- Recovery: Restoring keys if a device is lost or damaged.
EviKey NFC USB drive addresses these issues head-on.
EviKey NFC: Transforming Secure SSH Key Storage
The EviKey NFC USB drive offers a hardware-based solution that externalizes SSH key storage. It secures private keys in a tamper-resistant device that can only be unlocked using contactless NFC authentication.
Key Features of EviKey NFC
- Contactless Authentication: Unlock your key securely using NFC-enabled devices.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Combines an admin or user PIN, NFC phone UID, and a unique pairing key.
- Advanced Security: Includes brute force detection with exponential delays after failed attempts.
- Physical Robustness: Military-grade resin ensures resistance to tampering and environmental damage.
- Undetectability When Locked: Notably, EviKey becomes invisible to systems when secured, preventing unauthorized detection.
Backup and Recovery: Safeguarding Access
EviKey simplifies the backup and restoration of SSH keys:
- Backup Creation: Use the associated mobile app to export encrypted backups of your private key.
- Secure Recovery: Restore keys to a new device using NFC authentication and your unique pairing key.
Moreover, this ensures business continuity even if the device is lost or damaged, without compromising security.
Black Box Monitoring: Unmatched Traceability
The integrated black box feature tracks critical events like failed authentication attempts, brute force detections, and system interactions. This data is invaluable for:
- Audits: Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Incident Response: Quickly identifying and mitigating threats.
- Operational Insights: Monitoring device usage for security optimization.
Compliance with SL4 Industrial Standards
EviKey NFC HSM complies with SL4 (Security Level 4) standards under IEC 62443-3-3. This ensures:
- Advanced Threat Resistance: Protection against physical, invasive, and non-invasive attacks.
- Operational Integrity: Guaranteed performance under industrial-grade requirements.
Compliance reassures users of its reliability in high-stakes environments.
Energy Efficiency Through NFC Power Harvesting
A standout feature of EviKey is its NFC signal energy harvesting. This innovation:
- Eliminates dependency on external power sources.
- Enables lightweight and portable design.
- Provides long-term durability, with data persistence for up to 40 years without external power.
This energy efficiency sets EviKey apart in the secure storage landscape.
How to Store and Use Your SSH Keys with EviKey
1. Generate Your SSH Key Pair
- On Linux/macOS:
- On Windows: Use PuTTYgen to generate and save your key pair.
2. Store Your Private Key on EviKey
Transfer your private key to EviKey’s secure storage:
3. Lock and Unlock with NFC
- Use EviKey’s dedicated Android app.
- Lock the device by approaching your NFC-enabled phone.
- Unlock it when needed for SSH authentication.
Using EviKey for SSH Authentication
Local Authentication
Authenticate securely on your computer using:
Remote Server Authentication
Access remote servers seamlessly:
Each authentication session ensures your private key remains secure and externalized.
Programmable Auto-Lock: Intelligent Physical Isolation
The EviKey NFC HSM USB drive stands out by offering a unique programmable auto-lock feature. This functionality ensures that the device automatically locks itself after being used for an SSH connection. Once the session ends, the key physically isolates itself from the host system, providing an additional security layer.
This automatic isolation prevents unauthorized access even if the device remains connected to the system. Combined with its contactless unlocking mechanism, the EviKey creates a virtually impenetrable barrier against cyber threats.
Key Benefits of Auto-Lock:
- Immediate prevention of unauthorized access after usage.
- Enhanced protection for prolonged or unattended sessions.
- Tailored for high-security environments like critical infrastructures or financial systems.
Advanced Multi-Layer Security with PassCypher
EviKey pairs its auto-lock feature with PassCypher HSM PGP, an additional tool for securing SSH keys. With PassCypher, you can assign a password to your private SSH key, adding an extra protection layer. This means that even if someone gains physical access to the device, it remains useless without the correct password.
How PassCypher Strengthens Security:
- Password Protection: Ensures the SSH key remains unusable without proper authentication.
- Enhanced Encryption: Keeps private keys securely encrypted at all times.
- User-Friendly Management: Provides an intuitive way to set up and manage passwords and private keys.
Comparison: EviKey vs Competitors
EviKey’s unique features surpass competitors like Nitrokey, YubiKey, and OnlyKey:
- Contactless NFC Authentication: Exclusive to EviKey.
- Physical Undetectability: Invisible when locked.
- Black Box Monitoring: Comprehensive event tracking for unmatched traceability.
- Military-Grade Protection: Superior robustness and durability.
At a Glance: EviKey NFC HSM vs. the Competition
| Criteria | EviKey NFC with PassCypher HSM PGP | Nitrokey HSM 2 | YubiKey | OnlyKey |
| Memory | Not applicable (external storage: 8GB-128GB) | 76 KB EEPROM | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| SSH Key Capacity | Over 4 billion | Up to 19 RSA-4096 keys | Up to 25 resident keys | Up to 24 unique offline accounts |
| Password Protection per Key | Yes (each SSH key is secured by an additional password) | No | No | No |
| Supported Algorithms | RSA (2048, 3072, 4096), ECDSA (256, 384, 521), ED25519 | RSA (1024, 2048, 3072, 4096), ECC (P-256, P-384, P-521), AES-256 | RSA (2048, 3072, 4096), ECC (P-256, P-384) | RSA (2048, 3072, 4096), ECC (P-256, P-384, P-521) |
| Contactless Authentication | Yes, via NFC | No | Yes, NFC or USB | Yes, NFC or USB |
| Users for Contactless SSH & OpenSSH Unlocking | Up to 6 users | None | 1 user | 1 user |
| 2FA / MFA Authentication Modes | MFA: Android NFC-secured phone + Unique pairing key + Admin or User PIN (permanent or temporary) and/or NFC phone UID. Combined elements ensure multi-factor physical security. | 2FA via PIN | 2FA via PIN | 2FA via PIN |
| Protection Against Brute Force Attacks | Electronic attack detection: Moreover, the auto-unpairing system includes a default limit of 3 attempts, programmable up to 13 attempts with exponential delays before permanent lock. | No | No | No |
| Detectability in Locked Mode | Undetectable: EviKey is physically undetectable when locked. | Nitrokey detectable | YubiKey detectable. | OnlyKey detectable. |
| Physical Security of the Device | Advanced brute force protection: attack detection, exponential unpairing, physically undetectable when locked. | Standard with PIN lock | Standard with PIN lock | Standard with PIN lock |
| Patents | 3 international patents | None | None | None |
| Electrical Protection | Integrated with intelligent regulator | No | No | No |
| Thermal Safeguards | Functional & thermal sensors with breaker | No | No | No |
| ESD Protection | 27kV on data channel | No | No | No |
| Physical Robustness | Military-grade resin; Waterproof & Tamperproof | No | No | No |
| Security from Attacks | Inclusive of invasive & non-invasive threats | No | No | No |
| Authentication Attempt Limit | 13 (modifiable by admin) | No | No | No |
| USB Port Protection | Fully independent security system | No | No | No |
| Contactless Security Energy | Harvests energy from NFC signals | No | No | No |
| Black Box Monitoring | Comprehensive event tracking | No | No | No |
| Fault Detection | In-built self-diagnostics | No | No | No |
| Memory Write Count | Monitors flash memory health | No | No | No |
| Data Persistence | 40 years without external power | No | No | No |
| Temperature Guard | Ensures optimal performance | No | No | No |
| Auto-lock Duration | Admin-defined (seconds to minutes) | No | No | No |
Best Practices for Comprehensive Security
The EviKey NFC HSM USB drive delivers state-of-the-art protection for SSH key storage, but ensuring complete system security requires a proactive approach. By implementing the following best practices, you can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and fortify your digital ecosystem:
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Maintain Software and Firmware Updates
Cybercriminals frequently exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Regularly update your operating systems, USB drivers, and firmware to close potential security gaps. Automate updates where possible to minimize human oversight and ensure timely patching.
-
Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
For systems requiring USB-based access, enable MFA to add an additional layer of protection. Pair methods like NFC authentication with PINs, biometrics, or time-sensitive codes to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
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Change Default Ports and Protocols
Default configurations, such as using port 22 for SSH, are prime targets for attackers. Change these settings to non-standard ports and disable unused protocols. Consider adopting encrypted alternatives like SFTP over plain FTP to secure data transfers.
-
Implement Inactivity Timeouts
Set timeouts for idle sessions involving USB devices to log out users automatically. This limits the exposure window in case the device is left unattended or forgotten. Customize session lengths based on the sensitivity of the tasks being performed.
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Strengthen Authentication Practices
Replace password-based systems with cryptographic methods, such as SSH keys secured by robust passphrases. Leverage EviKey’s NFC-enabled security to externalize sensitive keys and reduce exposure on local machines.
- Restrict and Monitor Login Attempts
Implement a strict limit on failed login attempts to mitigate brute force attacks. For added resilience, introduce exponential backoff delays between retries. Tools like Fail2Ban can automate blocking after repeated unauthorized access attempts. -
Disable Root Login Over SSH
Eliminate the use of root credentials for SSH access. Instead, enforce the principle of least privilege by creating restricted user accounts with limited access rights. Elevate privileges only when absolutely necessary using
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Enable Comprehensive Logging and Alerts
Configure detailed logging for all USB-related and system activities, including authentication attempts and configuration changes. Use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to analyze logs and set up alerts for suspicious behaviors, enabling swift responses to potential threats.
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Minimize Attack Surface by Disabling Unused Features
Deactivate services and features not actively in use, such as X11 Forwarding, USB debugging, or legacy protocols. Unused features often serve as entry points for attackers, so proactively removing them strengthens system security.
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Conduct Regular Security Audits and Penetration Tests
Schedule regular vulnerability assessments for your USB devices, operating systems, and connected systems. Employ penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks, uncover hidden weaknesses, and validate your defenses.
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Secure Data in Transit and at Rest
Encrypt all sensitive data using strong algorithms, whether it is being transmitted over networks or stored on USB devices. The EviKey NFC HSM USB drive already provides industrial-grade encryption, but ensure this principle extends to all aspects of your system.
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Leverage Network Segmentation
If USB devices access critical systems, isolate those systems on segmented networks. This limits lateral movement in the event of a breach and ensures that sensitive assets remain compartmentalized.
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Establish Incident Response Protocols
Develop and regularly update incident response plans to address potential breaches. This includes steps to secure USB devices, contain affected systems, and restore operations while preserving forensic evidence for investigations.
-
Use Tamper-Evident Measures
Physically secure USB devices with tamper-evident seals or locks. Combine these measures with periodic visual inspections to detect unauthorized attempts to access or modify the device.
By combining these best practices with the advanced security features of the EviKey NFC HSM USB drive, you create a multi-layered defense system. This approach not only protects your SSH keys but also fortifies your entire digital infrastructure against a broad range of cyber threats. Adopting such comprehensive measures is essential for staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Automated Best Practices for Security
The combination of programmable auto-lock and PassCypher automates critical security best practices. This automation eliminates the risk of human error, ensuring that your SSH keys and sensitive data remain secure. By adopting EviKey’s technology, you integrate a seamless yet comprehensive approach to system protection.
Real-World Use Cases:
- Server Administration: After completing an SSH session, the EviKey locks itself, preventing further access.
- Remote Work Security: Professionals working from unfamiliar systems can trust that their private keys remain isolated.
- Regulatory Compliance: EviKey’s built-in security measures help organizations meet compliance standards, such as ISO 27001 and GDPR.
Secure Your Digital World with EviKey
Protecting your SSH keys is more than just a technical task; in fact, it is a cornerstone of digital security. Moreover, the advanced features of the EviKey NFC USB drive not only empower you with robust protection but also provide unmatched flexibility and unparalleled ease of use. Whether you are managing sensitive data, securing remote access, or meeting compliance standards, EviKey consistently delivers the cutting-edge tools you need to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Secure Your Digital Ecosystem
The EviKey NFC HSM USB drive is far more than a storage device; rather, it serves as a gateway to enhanced digital security. Moreover, whether you are safeguarding SSH keys, managing sensitive credentials, or complying with strict regulations, EviKey consistently delivers unparalleled performance, thereby ensuring your digital ecosystem remains secure and resilient.
Explore our product range for complete security solutions:
- EviKey Premium: Contactless Secure USB Flash Drive
- EviKey Pro: Advanced Contactless Secure USB Drive
- PassCypher HSM PGP: Password Manager and Encryption Key Manager
Take the next step in protecting your digital assets with EviKey.