Public Key Infrastructure

Definition

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework that manages digital keys and certificates to ensure secure communication and authentication over networks. It enables users to exchange data securely through encryption and digital signatures, fostering trust and integrity in electronic transactions. PKI encompasses various components, such as certificate authorities, registration authorities, and the policies governing the issuance and management of certificates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PKI enables secure online communications by using asymmetric encryption, where a public key encrypts data and a private key decrypts it.
2. A central component of PKI is the Certificate Authority (CA), which validates identities and issues digital certificates to ensure trustworthiness.
3. PKI supports various protocols like SSL/TLS, which secure data transmission over the internet by utilizing digital certificates.
4. Revocation lists are part of PKI, allowing users to check if a certificate has been revoked due to compromise or other issues.
5. PKI is essential for e-commerce and online banking, where secure transactions depend on the trust established through digital certificates.

Review Questions

• How does Public Key Infrastructure enhance security in online communications?
  • Public Key Infrastructure enhances security in online communications by using asymmetric encryption to secure data exchange. In this system, a public key is used to encrypt information while the corresponding private key is used for decryption. This ensures that only the intended recipient can access the message. Additionally, PKI employs digital certificates issued by trusted Certificate Authorities, which verify identities and establish trust between parties communicating over potentially insecure networks.
• Evaluate the role of Certificate Authorities in Public Key Infrastructure and their impact on trust in digital communications.
  • Certificate Authorities play a crucial role in Public Key Infrastructure by validating identities and issuing digital certificates. They act as trusted third parties that ensure only legitimate entities receive certificates, thereby establishing a level of trust in digital communications. The presence of a reliable CA allows users to verify the authenticity of websites or individuals before engaging in sensitive transactions. Without effective CAs, users may face risks such as phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks due to uncertainty regarding who they are communicating with.
• Assess the implications of revocation mechanisms in Public Key Infrastructure for maintaining security in digital transactions.
  • Revocation mechanisms within Public Key Infrastructure are vital for maintaining security because they allow users to check whether a digital certificate is still valid or has been compromised. When a certificate is revoked—due to loss of private key or change in ownership—this information must be disseminated through revocation lists or Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP). The efficiency and reliability of these mechanisms directly affect user confidence in electronic transactions, as failing to promptly revoke compromised certificates can lead to unauthorized access or fraud. Thus, effective revocation processes are essential for sustaining trust in PKI and securing online interactions.

Related terms

Digital Certificate: A digital certificate is an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key, containing information about the key, the identity of its owner, and the digital signature of a certificate authority.

Certificate Authority (CA): A Certificate Authority is a trusted entity that issues digital certificates, verifying the identities of organizations or individuals before providing them with a certificate.

Encryption:

Encryption is the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality in communications.