PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)
Comprehensive guide to Public Key Infrastructure, digital certificates, and trust management
PKI Overview
What is PKI?
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a comprehensive framework that manages digital keys and certificates to enable secure communications, authentication, and data integrity across networks and applications.
- • Foundation of Internet Security: Enables HTTPS, email encryption, code signing
- • Trust Management: Establishes chains of trust through Certificate Authorities
- • Identity Verification: Binds cryptographic keys to real-world identities
- • Scalable Security: Supports millions of users and devices globally
Core Functions
🔐 Authentication
Verify identities of users, devices, and services
🔒 Encryption
Protect data confidentiality in transit and at rest
✍️ Digital Signatures
Ensure data integrity and non-repudiation
⚡ Key Management
Securely generate, distribute, and revoke keys
PKI in Action
Web Security
- • HTTPS websites
- • SSL/TLS certificates
- • Browser trust stores
- • Certificate pinning
Enterprise
- • Employee authentication
- • VPN connections
- • Email encryption (S/MIME)
- • Code signing
IoT & Mobile
- • Device authentication
- • Secure boot
- • Mobile app signing
- • Over-the-air updates