What is PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)? |
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| A Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system/method providing a solution for
securing eCommerce and network access services. It is comprised of protocols, services
and standards, which support various applications for a public key infrastructure.
In a PKI, each user is allocated a cryptographic key pair, which is comprised of a
public and a private key. These two keys have a unique mathematical relationship to one
another. The public key is distributed publicly; the private key is kept secret, safe
and secure. |
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| This private key is then used to create a digital signature, which is used to validate
a document, mail, etc. This technology can be used to prove/track the authenticity of various
transactions. The advantage of both the authentication level and the digital signature depends
on the degree to which the private key is kept secure. |
