What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and How It Works?

 PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) is a system of processes, technologies, and policies that governs the asymmetric encryption of data. It governs the issuance of PKI-based certificates which in turn safeguards sensitive data and provides identity assurance and access management in the digital ecosystem. In a nutshell, PKI technology directs everything that encompasses asymmetric encryption to ensure end-to-end security and integrity in the digital ecosystem.

As a part of PKI implementation, X.509 certificates and asymmetric keys are issued which act as the cornerstone of this technology. These PKI-based certificates are akin to a driver’s license or any other identity proof for the digital world. Consequently, PKI may refer to any software, policy, process, or procedure that may be employed while configuring and managing those certificates and keys.

Some of the most common examples of PKI implementation can be found in SSL certificates, S/MIME certificates, Code Signer Certificates, Digital Signature Certificates (DSC), and authentication for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Public Key Infrastructure has a long history of safeguarding the digital ecosystem with two primary objectives, first, ensuring the confidentiality of data transmitted. Second, authenticating the sender.

Let us look at how PKI work, the importance, challenges and use cases of PKI implementation.

Understanding PKI: Building Blocks of Public Key Infrastructure

To understand how PKI works, it is crucial to revert to the basic components of PKI technology that make up this technology. With encryption at its core, a cryptographic algorithm is the building block. It is a highly defined, complex mathematical formula governing encryption and decryption. PKI uses asymmetric encryption algorithms, which deploy two different cryptographic keys- a private key and a public key.  

PKI utilizes public keys linked to a digital certificate, which in turn attaches a digital identity to the device or the user. Digital certificates are issued by a trusted source, a certificate authority (CA), and act as a type of digital passport to ensure sender authentication.

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