AppViewX Automates SSH Key Management with CyberArk PSM

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, effective cybersecurity is essential to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity. Secure Shell (SSH) keys play a vital role in enabling secure communication between devices and servers. However, managing SSH keys manually can be a complex and error-prone process, exposing organizations to potential security risks. This is where the powerful combination of AppViewX and CyberArk comes into play. In this blog, we will explore how AppViewX automates SSH key management using CyberArk.

CyberArk is predominantly a security tool used for the security of privileged accounts through password management. It protects the privileged accounts in organizations by maintaining passwords automatically. Using the CyberArk tool, you can store and maintain data by rotating the credentials of all the important accounts so that you can defend the malware and hacking threats efficiently. Being a highly protective tool, CyberArk is used in industries such as energy, healthcare, financial services, retail, and more.

An SSH key is an access credential for the SSH network protocol. This authenticated and encrypted secure network protocol is used for remote communication between machines on an unsecured open network. SSH is used for remote file transfer, network management, and remote operating system access.

SSH Key Management Is Challenging

SSH keys provide a secure method for authentication and data encryption between servers, applications, and devices. They offer a more robust alternative to traditional password-based authentication, which can be vulnerable to various attacks, such as brute-force and phishing. However, managing a large number of SSH keys across different environments and teams can become a daunting task. Challenges include ensuring proper SSH key rotation, enforcing access controls, and maintaining an audit trail — all of which are critical for maintaining a strong security posture.

SSH Key management is a critical task for any organization that takes network security seriously. Unmanaged access and SSH key sprawl exposes organizations to significant risks that could in the worst case bring down critical information systems for months. Unmanaged keys create the risk of systemic failure of critical infrastructure, especially in cyberwarfare scenarios.

However, in many cases, SSH key hygiene is completely overlooked in identity and access management planning. For that reason, it is important to start with an SSH key audit. Over the last few years, most large organizations such as the banking sector, retailers and healthcare organizations, have amassed large numbers of SSH keys in their environment. This has led to violations of corporate access policies and dangerous backdoors.

So, whether you’re an IT professional looking to streamline your SSH Key management process or simply interested in learning more about the technical aspects of network security, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in together and explore a solution to manage SSH keys.

How can AppViewX help?

AppViewX is a leading platform that specializes in automation and orchestration of digital identities and application infrastructure services. It is a comprehensive solution that helps organizations automate and streamline the management of network infrastructure, including SSL/TLS certificates, DNS, IPAM, and, SSH keys. CyberArk, on the other hand, is a widely recognized leader in privileged access security, providing a robust platform to manage, secure, and audit privileged accounts and credentials.

When AppViewX and CyberArk join forces, organizations gain a powerful toolset that addresses SSH key management challenges head-on, ensuring security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

SSH key management is a complex and tedious process for admins who are responsible for SSH keys across network environments. Here is where AppViewX comes into the picture to handle SSH key lifecycle management. AppViewX fetches the SSH keys from CyberArk and manages them in its inventory to handle the key rotation, key management and device authentication.

Organizations can use AppViewX for SSH key management by automating the identification of all cryptographic keys associated with the SSH application, determine levels of permissions assigned to those keys and administer the use of those keys for SSH access.

AppViewX Automates SSH Key Management

Centralized Key Storage: AppViewX integrates seamlessly with CyberArk’s privileged access security solution, enabling organizations to securely store SSH keys in a centralized vault. This eliminates the risks associated with decentralized and disparate key storage methods.

Automated Key Rotation: AppViewX automates the process of rotating SSH keys stored in CyberArk. Regularly rotating keys reduces the window of vulnerability, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Access Control and Segregation: Through integration with CyberArk, AppViewX enforces granular access controls for SSH keys. Only authorized personnel can retrieve, view, or use keys, reducing the risk of insider threats and unauthorized access.

Audit and Compliance: Both AppViewX and CyberArk offer robust auditing and reporting capabilities. Organizations can maintain a detailed record of SSH key activities, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.

Policy Enforcement: AppViewX allows organizations to define and enforce SSH key management policies. This ensures that SSH keys are generated, stored, and used according to best practices, reducing the potential for misconfigurations.

Benefits of AppViewX and CyberArk Integration

Enhanced Security: By centralizing SSH key storage, enforcing access controls, and automating key rotation, organizations significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Operational Efficiency: Automation streamlines SSH key management processes, freeing up IT teams from manual, time-consuming tasks. This enables them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Compliance and Reporting: Detailed audit logs and reports simplify the compliance process, making it easier to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements.

Reduced Human Error: Automation minimizes the risk of human errors associated with manual SSH key management, enhancing overall system reliability.

What goes on behind the scenes ?

• The Visual Workflow (VW) is triggered on demand
• The Cyberark vault has been integrated with AppViewX as a native functionality
• The credential key factor would be configured in the device inventory section
• When the VW triggers, the VW will talk to the CybeAark Vault server via the Cyberark API
• VW will return the list of Account managed in the Cyberark Vault
• When the user selects the required account, the relevant SSH key will be retrieved from Cyberark via API
• AppViewX will store the SSH Key in the collection table
• The SSH key will be managed in AppViewX for other SSH operations
• Here after, AppViewX will manage the the SSH keys

AppViewX’s integration with CyberArk empowers organizations to take control of their SSH key management, enhancing security, compliance, and operational efficiency. By automating SSH key rotation, enforcing access controls, and maintaining comprehensive audit trails, businesses can mitigate risks and bolster their cybersecurity posture. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, embracing automated solutions like AppViewX and CyberArk becomes essential for staying ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems and data.

To learn more, request an AppViewX demo today.