Create keypair
You require the View keypair and Generate keypair permission to create a keypair.
You can generate a keypair from Software Trust Manager or SMCTL.
To generate a static keypair:
Sign in to DigiCert ONE.
Select the Manager menu (top right) > Software Trust.
Navigate to: Keypairs > Create keypair.
Complete the following fields:
Field
Description
Keypair type
Select Static to ensure that your keypair remains the same after every signature.
Keypair alias
Name to uniquely identify this keypair.
Team
This field displays when teams are enabled.
Select a team that should have access to this keypair.
Keypair profile
Select a keypair profile.
Nota
If you have selected a team. you will only see keypair profiles allocated to that team.
Algorithm
Select one of the following algorithms:
RSA
Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) is a widely-used and compatible with various systems and protocols. RSA is a trusted choice for applications requiring broad compatibility and established security practices.
ECDSA
Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) is suitable for resource-constrained environments like mobile devices and IoT devices. ECDSA provides strong security with shorter key lengths compared to traditional RSA.
EdDSA
Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA) offers strong resistance against various cryptographic attacks while maintaining efficiency. EdDSA is recommended for applications where security is paramount, such as digital signatures and secure communications.
MLDSA (Quantum-safe)
Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signatures Algorithm (MLDSA) is a quantum-safe approach to cryptographic security. It relies on the difficulty of solving lattice-based problems, which makes it resistant to attacks from quantum computers.
SLHDSA (Quantum-safe)
Secure Lightweight Hash-based Digital Signature Algorithm (SLHDSA) is a quantum-safe approach to cryptographic security. It is designed to offer robust protection with minimal computational overhead. It leverages lightweight hash-based techniques to ensure security while optimizing performance, making it ideal for resource-constrained environments.
Key size
This field only displays when a RSA algorithm is selected.
For RSA, select one of the following key sizes:
2048
A 2048-bit key size is one of the most commonly used key sizes in asymmetric cryptography, particularly in RSA encryption.
3072
A 3072-bit key size provides higher cryptographic strength compared to 2048-bit keys.
4096
A 4096-bit key size offers the highest level of cryptographic security among the RSA options.
Key curve
This field only displays when a ECDSA algorithm is selected.
For ECDSA, select one of the following key curves:
P-192
NIST P-192, also known as secp192r1 refers to an elliptic curve defined over a 192-bit prime field.
P-256
NIST P-256, also known as secp256r1 is an elliptic curve defined over a 256-bit prime field. This curve has a higher security level that P-192 due to its longer key length.
P-384
NIST P-384, also known as secp384r1 is an elliptic curve defined over a 384-bit prime field. This curve offers a significantly higher level of security compared to P-256, as it utilizes a longer key length and larger computational parameters.
For EdDSA, the key curve defaults to Ed25519.
Security level
This fields only displays when a Quantum-safe algorithm is selected.
For MLDSA, select one of the following security levels:
MLDSA-44
Represents a cryptographic strength equivalent of at least 128-bit symmetric encryption. This level of security is considered sufficient for many applications requiring strong security, such as protecting sensitive data and communications.
MLDSA-65
Represents a higher cryptographic strength equivalent to at least 192-bit symmetric encryption. Offers increased security margin compared to Security Level 44, making it suitable for applications demanding elevated security requirements.
MLDSA-87
Represents an even higher level of cryptographic strength of at least 256-bit symmetric encryption, surpassing the previous two levels. Equivalent to an even greater bit length in symmetric encryption, further increasing the complexity for potential attackers. Offers the highest level of security among the mentioned levels, suitable for extremely sensitive applications requiring maximum protection against advanced cryptographic attacks.
For SLHDSA, select one of the following security levels:
SHA2-128s
Provides a cryptographic strength equivalent to 128-bit symmetric encryption, offering strong protection for general applications.
SHAKE-128s
Offers an equivalent strength of 128-bit symmetric encryption, using SHAKE for flexible security parameters.
SHA2-128f
Similar to SHA2-128s but optimized for faster performance.
SHAKE-128f
Fast variant of SHAKE-128, balancing performance and security.
SHA2-192s
Provides 192-bit symmetric encryption strength, suitable for applications demanding higher security.
SHAKE-192s
Flexible security with 192-bit strength using SHAKE for adjustable output lengths.
SHA2-192f
Fast variant of SHA2-192s, offering higher security with optimized performance.
SHAKE-192f
Fast variant of SHAKE-192, optimized for performance in demanding applications.
SHA2-256s
Offers 256-bit symmetric encryption strength, suitable for highly sensitive applications.
SHAKE-256s
Uses SHAKE for flexible cryptographic output at a 256-bit strength.
SHA2-256f
A faster version of SHA2-256s, providing maximum security with optimized performance.
SHAKE-256f
Fast variant of SHAKE-256, ideal for highly sensitive environments requiring both strong security and high efficiency.
Keypair category
Select a keypair type:
Production
Used to sign software released to the public or production environments.
Test
Used to sign software in development or test phases, using short-lived, private certificates.
Nota
Test keypairs expire after a maximum of 30 days.
Keypair storage
Select one of the following key storage methods:
SoftHSM
HSM
Disk
Nota
MLDSA algorithms can only be stored on Disk.
Keypair storage provide the following security levels:
Level 3
Key is stored in an HSM that is CA/B compliant. This storage method is FIPS 140-2 Level 2, Common Criteria EAL4+, an equivalent or higher, and therefore is compatible with publicly or privately trusted certificates.
Level 2
Key is stored in an HSM with a certification is lower than level 3. This storage is only compatible for privately trusted certificates.
Level 1
Key is stored in an uncertified but secure softHSM. This storage is only compatible for privately trusted certificates.
Nota
To use use DPoD HSM storage, DPoD must be set up in CA Manager and enabled for your account.
Keypair status
Select Online to generate a keypair that can be used to sign at any time.
Select Offline to generate a keypair that can only be used to sign during a release window.
Access
Select Open to allow any user within your account access to the keypair.
Select Restricted to limit access to the keypair to specified users, user group, or team.
Allowed users
For Restricted keypairs, you can specify which users can use the keypair.
Allowed user groups
For Restricted keypairs, you can specify one or more groups that are authorized to use the keypair.
Generate certificate
When this box is checked, the keypair will be generated with a corresponding default certificate for the keypair.
Keypair validity
Select Match keypair and certificate expiry dates to set the keypair's expiry date to the same date that your default certificate for the keypair expires.
Nota
The keypair will expire at midnight (UTC) of the same day your certificate expires.
Select Select an expiry date to set a specific expiry date for your keypair. The keypair will expire at the end of the day you selected, precisely at midnight (UTC).
Select Never expire to keep your keypair active until you manually add an expiry date.
Select Create keypair.
To generate a keypair, run:
smctl keypair generate <algorithm> <keypair alias>
Command sample:
smctl keypair generate rsa kp1