Definition:
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework that provides cryptographic key management and digital certificate services to secure communications and verify the identities of users, devices, and services on a network.
Use Cases:
- Used to secure online communications via HTTPS, ensuring that websites are authentic and encrypted.
- Employed in email encryption and digital signatures to verify the sender's identity and protect message integrity.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- What is the role of PKI in online security?
PKI is essential for encrypting data transmitted over networks, verifying the authenticity of websites and services, and ensuring the integrity of digital communications.
- How do digital certificates work within PKI?
Digital certificates, issued by Certificate Authorities (CAs), bind a public key to an entity's identity, allowing secure communication and authentication.
- What are the components of PKI?
PKI consists of components such as Certificate Authorities (CAs), Registration Authorities (RAs), digital certificates, and a pair of public and private cryptographic keys.