🎁 New User? Get 20% off your first purchase with code NEWUSER20 · ⚡ Instant download · 🔒 Secure checkout Register Now →
Menu

Categories

Security Advanced

What is PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)?

A framework of policies, hardware, and software for creating, managing, distributing, and revoking digital certificates.

PKI enables secure communication through digital certificates that bind public keys to identities. Certificate Authorities (CAs) issue certificates, Registration Authorities verify identities, and Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs) track revoked certificates.

PKI underpins HTTPS, email encryption (S/MIME), code signing, VPNs, and document signing. Enterprise PKI manages internal certificates for servers, users, and devices. Let's Encrypt democratized PKI by offering free, automated DV certificates.

Related Terms

Vulnerability Scanning
Automated testing that identifies known security weaknesses in systems, applications, and network infrastructure.
Firewall Rules
Configuration entries that define which network traffic is allowed or blocked based on source, destination, port, and protocol.
Zero Trust
A security model that requires strict identity verification for every user and device, regardless of their network location.
Phishing
A social engineering attack that uses fraudulent communications to trick people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
Supply Chain Attack
A cyberattack that targets less-secure elements in the software supply chain to compromise downstream users and organizations.
RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)
An access control model where permissions are assigned to roles, and users are assigned to roles rather than getting permissions directly.
 View All Security Terms →