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Public Key Infrastructure

A framework of roles, policies, hardware, software, and procedures needed to create, manage, distribute, use, store, and revoke digital certificates.

AbbreviationPKI
Categorysecurity

Overview

PKI provides the foundation for secure communication on the internet. It enables the use of asymmetric encryption and digital signatures by providing a way to verify the identity of entities.

Core Components

  • Certificate Authority (CA): The trusted entity that issues digital certificates.
  • Registration Authority (RA): Verifies the identity of entities requesting certificates.
  • Certificate Database: Stores issued certificates and their status.
  • Certificate Revocation List (CRL): A list of certificates that are no longer valid.

Importance

PKI is essential for HTTPS, secure email (S/MIME), and code signing.

Related Terms

Asymmetric EncryptionCertificate AuthorityDigital Signature