PKI

Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, is a system used to manage the distribution and identification of public encryption keys. It provides a framework for the creation, storage, and distribution of digital certificates, allowing users to exchange data securely through the use of a public and private cryptographic key pair provided by a Certificate Authority (CA).

Key Components of PKI

• Certificate Authority (CA): A trusted third-party organization that issues and manages digital certificates. The CA verifies the identity of entities and issues digital certificates attesting to that identity.

• Registration Authority (RA): A subordinate authority that assists the CA in validating entities’ identity before issuing digital certificates. The RA may also be involved in revoking certificates or managing key recovery.

• Digital Certificates: Electronic documents containing the public key and other identifying information about the entity, along with a digital signature from the CA.

• Private and Public Key Pair: Unique cryptographic keys generated together, where the public key is shared with others and the private key is kept secret by the owner. The public key encrypts data, and only the corresponding private key can decrypt it.

Benefits of PKI

• Secure Communication: PKI enables secure communication across networks by encrypting data transmitted between parties, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read it.

• Authentication: Digital certificates issued by a CA validate the identity of entities and their public keys, enabling trust between parties.

• Non-repudiation: PKI ensures that a sender cannot deny sending a message, as their digital signature is unique and verified by their digital certificate.

• Integrity: PKI confirms the integrity of messages by ensuring that they have not been tampered with during transmission.

Common Uses of PKI

• Secure email communication
• Secure file transfer
• Secure remote access and VPNs
• Secure web browsing (HTTPS)
• Digital signatures
• Internet of Things (IoT) security

In summary, PKI plays a crucial role in establishing trust and secure communication between entities in the digital world. By using a system of trusted CAs and digital certificates, PKI provides a secure means of exchanging data, authentication, and maintaining the integrity of digital assets.