A secure, enterprise-grade web application for issuing and managing digitally signed birth certificates with military-grade encryption and a custom Key Management Service.
The system leverages PHP for the main application backend, complemented by a dedicated Node.js and Express-based Key Management Service (KMS) for cryptographic key operations.
The Digital Birth Certificate Management System streamlines and secures the digital workflow for vital statistics management, designed specifically for the Registrar General's Department (RGD), hospital networks, and citizens.
- RGD Administrators – Hospital registration, application review, certificate issuance
- Hospital Administrators – Application creation, approval workflows, and documentation
- Parents/Citizens – Secure access to digitally signed birth certificates
The system implements defense-in-depth security principles across multiple layers:
| Security Layer | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Transport Security | TLS for all client-server communications |
| Data Encryption | AES-256-GCM encryption with authenticated encryption |
| Key Management | Dedicated Node.js KMS with secure key generation and rotation |
| Authenticity | RSA-based digital signatures for non-repudiation |
| Access Control | Role-based access control (RBAC) across three tiers |
- Per-Record Encryption: Each birth certificate uses a unique AES-256-GCM key
- Key Isolation: Encryption keys are generated, stored, and managed exclusively by the KMS
- Database Security: All sensitive data is encrypted at rest
- Signature Verification: Digital signatures ensure certificate authenticity and prevent tampering
| Layer | Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Frontend | HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript | Responsive, user-centric interface |
| Backend (Application) | PHP | Core business logic and workflows |
| Backend (Key Services) | Node.js , Express.js | Dedicated KMS microservice |
| Database | MySQL 8.0+ | Encrypted data persistence |
| Encryption | OpenSSL (AES-256-GCM, RSA) | Industry-standard cryptography |
| Email Service | PHPMailer with SMTP/TLS | Secure certificate delivery |