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Public Key Infrastructure

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework for managing digital keys and certificates. It enables secure communication, authentication, and data encryption by using pairs of public and private cryptographic keys. PKI supports various security services, including digital signatures, certificate authority (CA), and key management.
Related Terms
Software Architecture
What is the purpose of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?
The purpose of PKI is to provide a secure framework for managing digital keys and certificates, enabling secure communication, authentication, and data encryption across various applications and systems.
How do digital certificates work in PKI?
Digital certificates in PKI are issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) and bind a public key with an entity's identity, enabling secure communication and authentication by verifying the legitimacy of the public key.
What are common use cases for PKI?
Common use cases for PKI include securing email communications, enabling secure web transactions (SSL/TLS), authenticating users and devices, and protecting sensitive data through encryption.