Implementing Native Key Provider in vSphere 8

Implementing Native Key Provider in vSphere 8

Native Key Provider Basics:

1. Key Management:

• Native Key Providers in vSphere are components designed to manage encryption keys used for VM encryption.
• These keys are essential for securing sensitive data within virtual machines.

2. Encryption at the Virtual Machine Level:

• VM encryption involves encrypting the virtual machine’s files and disks, ensuring that even if the data is accessed outside the VM, it remains secure.

3. Integration with vSphere:

• Native Key Providers are typically integrated into the vSphere environment, providing a seamless experience for administrators.

4. Centralized Key Management:

• One of the key advantages is the centralization of key management. This means that encryption keys are managed from a central location, simplifying administration.

5. Enhanced Security:

• By managing keys natively within the vSphere environment, security is enhanced, and encryption processes are closely tied to the virtualization platform.

6. Key Rotation and Lifecycle Management:

• Native Key Providers often support key rotation, a process of regularly changing encryption keys to enhance security.
• They may also provide features for key lifecycle management.

7. Compliance:

• Native Key Providers contribute to meeting compliance requirements by ensuring that encryption and key management practices align with industry standards and regulations.

8. Compatibility:

• These providers are designed to be compatible with VMware vSphere and related products, ensuring a smooth integration process.

 

Introduction: As security becomes increasingly paramount in virtualized environments, vSphere 8 introduces the Key Provider feature to streamline cryptographic key management.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to implement the Key Provider in vSphere 8 for enhanced security and centralized key control.

TO create this instruction I use HOL from VMWARE

HOL – https://discovery.vmware.com/page/ds-hands-on-labs?menu=hands-on-labs-catalog

 

HOW TO IMPLEMENT NATIVE KEY PROVIDER

 

1. Access vSphere Client:
   Log in to the vSphere Client with administrative credentials to access the vSphere environment
   Navigate to Key Provider:
   In the vSphere Client, go to the “Configure” tab and select “Key Providers” from the menu.

 

2.  Add Key Provider:

Click on the “Add Native Key Provider” option to initiate the setup process.

3. Click ADD Native Key Provider

 

4.  Make Backup of your KEY PROVIDER  ( IMPORTANT !!!)

 

5.  You can backup with Password if needed

6. Store you backup key in safe place

 

7. You need to shutdown VM to make encryption.

 

8. Edit VM  Storage Policies

 

9. Change policy to “VM Encryption Policy”

 

10. In Task bar you will see task running. Wait to complete

 

11. After task completed. In virtual machine summary you will see “Encrypted with a native key provider”