Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Definition

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework that enables secure communication and digital signatures through the use of public key cryptography. PKI relies on a combination of hardware, software, policies, and procedures to manage digital certificates and public-private key pairs. This infrastructure ensures that parties involved in a transaction can verify each other's identities, which is crucial for maintaining trust in digital interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PKI relies on asymmetric cryptography, which uses a pair of keys: a public key that can be shared openly and a private key that must be kept secret.
2. Digital signatures created using PKI provide non-repudiation, meaning that the signer cannot deny having signed the document or message.
3. PKI allows for secure email communication, enabling users to send encrypted messages that only the intended recipient can decrypt using their private key.
4. The revocation of digital certificates can occur if the private key is compromised, ensuring that trust remains intact within the PKI system.
5. PKI plays a critical role in various applications, including secure web browsing (SSL/TLS), electronic transactions, and secure communications.

Review Questions

• How does Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) facilitate secure communication between parties?
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) facilitates secure communication by using a combination of public and private keys to encrypt and decrypt messages. The public key is shared openly, allowing others to encrypt messages sent to the key owner. The owner then uses their private key to decrypt those messages. This ensures that only the intended recipient can access the information, while also providing a way to verify identities through digital certificates.
• Discuss the role of Certificate Authorities (CAs) in Public Key Infrastructure and their importance in establishing trust.
  • Certificate Authorities (CAs) play a crucial role in Public Key Infrastructure by issuing digital certificates that validate the identities of users and organizations. CAs ensure that the public keys contained within these certificates are associated with legitimate entities, establishing trust in electronic transactions. Without CAs, there would be no reliable way to verify identities online, making it easier for malicious actors to impersonate others and compromise secure communications.
• Evaluate how Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supports non-repudiation in digital transactions and its impact on accountability.
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supports non-repudiation by using digital signatures linked to unique private keys, ensuring that individuals cannot deny their involvement in a transaction. When a user signs a document with their private key, it creates a digital signature that can be verified by anyone using the corresponding public key. This feature enhances accountability in digital interactions because it provides proof of authorship and commitment to agreements, fostering trust in electronic commerce and communication.

Related terms

Digital Certificate: A digital certificate is an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key, linking it to the identity of an individual or organization.

Certificate Authority (CA): A Certificate Authority (CA) is a trusted entity that issues digital certificates, verifying the identity of the certificate holder and ensuring the integrity of the public key.

Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access, using algorithms and keys to secure the information.