Public Key Infrastructure Definition:
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system for the creation, distribution, management, and revocation of digital certificates. It enables secure communication and data exchange through the use of public and private cryptographic key pairs, providing a framework for ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity in digital communications.
What is Public Key Infrastructure?
PKI uses a combination of Encryption'>Asymmetric Encryption (public and private keys) and digital certificates to facilitate secure communication between entities. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the corresponding private key decrypts it. Certificates issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) verify the authenticity of public keys, helping ensure that data sent and received comes from a verified source.
Why is Public Key Infrastructure important?
The purpose of PKI is to create a trusted environment for secure data transmission over untrusted networks, such as the internet. PKI supports essential security services like Encryption, Digital Signatures, and Authentication, making it a foundational component for securing websites (via HTTPS), email communications, and other online services.
How does Public Key Infrastructure work?
PKI relies on a hierarchical trust model, with Certificate Authorities (CAs) issuing digital certificates to verify the identity of individuals, devices, or organisations. The CA's root certificate forms the basis of trust, and end-entity certificates are issued based on validation processes. PKI enables secure key exchange for encrypting communications, signing documents digitally, and authenticating users through certificates.
Public Key Infrastructure Examples:
Examples of PKI in use include SSL/TLS certificates that secure websites with HTTPS, Digital Signatures used to verify the authenticity and integrity of software or documents, and certificate-based Authentication for accessing secure networks or systems. PKI is also used in secure email communications through protocols like S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions).
Public Key Infrastructure Issues:
PKI systems can be complex to manage, requiring processes for key generation, certificate issuance, revocation, and renewal. Compromised private keys, improperly validated certificates, or a compromised CA pose significant security risks. Effective PKI management requires robust security policies, regular auditing, and the use of secure storage and transmission practices for keys.
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