Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework of policies, technologies, and procedures that enables secure electronic communication and data exchange over insecure networks like the internet. It uses cryptographic keys—one public and one private—to encrypt and decrypt data, ensuring confidentiality, data integrity, and authentication of the communicating parties. PKI plays a critical role in securing websites, emails, and digital transactions.
PKI relies on asymmetric cryptography, where each user or entity generates a pair of cryptographic keys—a public key that is shared openly, and a private key kept secret.
A trusted entity called a Certificate Authority (CA) issues digital certificates that bind a public key to the identity of the certificate holder. These certificates confirm that a public key belongs to a legitimate user or organization.
Data encrypted with the recipient’s public key can only be decrypted using their private key, ensuring secure communication even if intercepted.
Senders can use their private key to digitally sign messages, allowing recipients to verify the sender’s identity and that the message has not been altered.
Certificate Authority (CA): Issues and manages digital certificates.
Registration Authority (RA): Verifies identities before certificate issuance.
Digital Certificates: Electronic credentials that associate public keys with entities.
Public and Private Keys: Matched key pairs for encryption and digital signatures.
Certificate Revocation List (CRL): List of revoked or expired certificates.
PKI Policies: Rules governing certificate issuance, usage, and management.
Securing websites via SSL/TLS certificates (HTTPS).
Authenticating users and devices in corporate networks.
Signing software and documents digitally to ensure authenticity.
Enabling secure email through encryption standards like S/MIME.
Always ensure websites use HTTPS with valid certificates before sharing sensitive information.
Avoid ignoring browser warnings about invalid or expired certificates.
Use trusted sources for software downloads to prevent tampering.
Keep your private keys secure and never share them.
When a user visits a bank’s website:
The website presents its SSL/TLS digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
The user’s browser verifies the certificate to confirm the site’s identity.
The browser and server exchange public keys to establish an encrypted session.
All data transferred during the session is encrypted, protecting sensitive information like passwords and account numbers from attackers.
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