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Public key infrastructure

A system that uses cryptographic keys to secure communications and establish trust in digital identities.

Description

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework that enables secure communication and authentication for both human and non-human identities (NHIs) through the use of asymmetric cryptography. In the context of NHIs, PKI is crucial for establishing trust between entities such as IoT devices, applications, and services that interact over networks. Each NHI is assigned a unique digital certificate, which contains its public key and is signed by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). This certificate allows NHIs to prove their identity and securely exchange information. PKI supports various applications, including secure device authentication, encrypted communications, and data integrity verification. By utilizing PKI, organizations can ensure that only authorized NHIs can access sensitive resources, thereby enhancing security in automated and digital ecosystems. As the number of NHIs continues to grow, the importance of robust PKI systems becomes even more critical to safeguard against cyber threats and to enable secure and reliable interactions in a connected world.

Examples

  • IoT devices using digital certificates for secure communication.
  • Cloud services authenticating applications through PKI.

Additional Information

  • PKI includes components such as Certificate Authorities, Registration Authorities, and digital certificates.
  • It is essential for compliance in industries like finance and healthcare where data security is paramount.

References