configuring-certificate-authority-with-openssl

# Configuring Certificate Authority with OpenSSL ## Overview A Certificate Authority (CA) is the trust anchor in a PKI hierarchy, responsible for issuing, signing, and revoking digital certificates. This skill covers building a two-tier CA hierarchy (Root CA + Intermediate CA) using OpenSSL and the Python cryptography library, including CRL distribution, OCSP responder configuration, and certificate policy management. ## When to Use - When deploying or configuring configuring certificate authority with openssl capabilities in your environment - When establishing security controls aligned to compliance requirements - When building or improving security architecture for this domain - When conducting security assessments that require this implementation ## Prerequisites - Familiarity with cryptography concepts and tools - Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution - Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed - Appropriate authorization for any testing activities ## Objectives - Create a Root CA with self-signed certificate - Create an Intermediate CA signed by the Root CA - Issue server and client certificates from the Intermediate CA - Configure Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) - Implement certificate policies and constraints - Build a complete PKI hierarchy programmatically ## Key Concepts ### CA Hierarchy ``` Root CA (offline, air-gapped) | +-- Intermediate CA (online, operational) | +-- Server Certificates +-- Clie...