The Case for Replacing Legacy CMS Systems with the Unifyia Platform for PIV Credential Management
by Unifyia
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22 October, 2024
Many government agencies rely on Credential Management Systems (CMS) that are two decades old, designed during a time when smart card-based identity was the only practical solution. However, the evolving landscape of digital identity, mobile authentication, and multi-factor solutions demands modernization. The Unifyia Platform offers a seamless way to manage PIV credentials not just on smart cards, but also on YubiKeys and Mobile ID Wallets, enabling agencies to meet modern security needs efficiently.
The Problem with Outdated CMS Systems
  1. Lack of Flexibility and Scalability
    Legacy CMS systems are rigid and not built to manage new forms of identity tools, such as mobile ID wallets or hardware tokens like YubiKeys. As the workforce becomes more mobile, government agencies need systems capable of issuing and managing credentials on multiple platforms and devices
  2. High Operational Costs
    Old CMS platforms are resource-heavy, requiring specialized infrastructure, updates, and maintenance. Agencies often have to rely on outdated hardware and proprietary systems, resulting in inefficiencies and high costs.
  3. Security Vulnerabilities
    With cyber threats evolving, maintaining the security of credentials is critical. Legacy CMS systems may not support modern security standards such as FIDO2 or meet Zero Trust framework requirements. Stale credentials, limited encryption options, and lack of remote revocation tools make older systems increasingly vulnerable.
  4. Incompatibility with Mobile Devices
    Today’s workforce expects to access services through smartphones and digital wallets. However, legacy CMS systems cannot issue mobile-compatible PIV credentials, limiting flexibility for employees and contractors who need to authenticate from remote locations.
The Unifyia Platform: A Modern Solution for Government Credentialing
  1. Seamless Credential Issuance Across Devices

    Unifyia can issue PIV credentials not only on smart cards, but also on YubiKeys and Mobile ID Wallets. This enables agencies to provide their workforce with secure access, whether through physical tokens or mobile-based authentication.

  2. Centralized Management of Credentials

    With a unified dashboard, administrators can manage multiple credential types—from issuance to renewal and revocation—in one place. This centralized control reduces operational overhead and minimizes errors, ensuring that only valid users maintain access to government systems.

  3. Support for Modern Security Standards

    The platform integrates with FIDO2 and PKI-based authentication to support Zero Trust architectures. This ensures that agencies meet the latest NIST standards while providing a future-proof credential management strategy. Credentials are encrypted end-to-end, with automated expiration and remote revocation tools to reduce the risk of misuse.

  4. Mobile Compatibility for Increased Flexibility

    Unifyia enables employees and contractors to use ID Wallets for authentication, providing the same level of security as smart cards or YubiKeys. This mobile-first approach makes it easier for remote workers to securely access government resources, ensuring productivity without compromising security.

Benefits of Replacing Legacy CMS with Unifyia
  1. Cost Savings:
    By consolidating multiple identity systems into one platform, Unifyia reduces the need for costly maintenance and infrastructure updates.
  2. Improved Security:
    The platform aligns with modern encryption standards and integrates with Zero Trust security frameworks to enhance the safety of credentials.
  3. Vendor Independence:
    Agencies gain the flexibility to use a variety of hardware tokens, such as smart cards and YubiKeys, or ID Wallets, without being locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem.
  4. Faster Credential Issuance:
    The automated workflow makes it easy to issue credentials to employees and contractors, ensuring quick access to systems without long wait times.
  5. Future-Proofing:
    With support for mobile wallets and emerging authentication standards, the platform ensures that government identity management systems remain relevant in the face of evolving technology.
The Time to Modernize Is Now
As government agencies face increasing cybersecurity threats and a growing mobile workforce, it’s essential to move beyond outdated CMS systems. Unifyia provides a future-ready platform for managing PIV credentials across multiple devices, helping agencies save costs, improve security, and enhance flexibility.
Replacing legacy systems with Unifyia ensures that government agencies can meet current and future security needs while providing employees and contractors with the tools they need to work securely from anywhere. It's time for the government to take the next step in identity management—one that leverages modern tools, reduces risk, and simplifies administration.
Unifyia makes it easy to issue and manage PIV credentials across smart cards, YubiKeys, and mobile ID wallets, helping agencies move into the future without the baggage of outdated systems.