What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)? How does PKI work and apply?

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a security system that uses encryption key pairs to protect important information and data. This system is operated by a third party who acts as a validator for other parties who want to participate.

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What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?

Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI for short, is a phrase used to refer to a public infrastructure system to help users interact with servers more easily. To achieve this goal, PKI uses encryption key pairs, thereby significantly improving the security of information and data.

Because PKI is just an infrastructure system whose purpose is to secure information and electronic communication through encryption technology techniques, therefore, it will not target a specific audience but will only mention the main components including hardware, software, policies,… components that will be used for data encryption and authentication. digital certificate.

Although it sounds relatively simple, Public Key Infrastructure plays a huge role for organizations and businesses by ensuring the security of electronic transactions.

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How does Public Key Infrastructure work?

Public Key Infrastructure operates through the interaction between two main elements: Public Key and Private Key. In there:

• Public Key: This can be freely shared, and is the component used to encrypt information and data that needs to be shared between parties on the network.
• Private Key: This cannot be shared with anyone other than the owner, and is an important component responsible for decoding information and data sent and encrypted by the Public Key.

A quick example of how PKI works in blockchain would be as follows: Person A has information to send to person B so he uses the Public Key provided by Person B to encrypt the information and send it to B. Person B then when he receives information from person A, he will use his Private Key to decrypt the information again.

In the above process, there is also the presence of a third party, which is the digital certificate provider, who is here with the role of receiving and verifying the identities of the parties participating in the information exchange. They are also the ones who provide encryption keys to individuals participating in the network.

Besides, if you have time, we suggest you check out other interesting content like What is a Consensus Algorithm, What is Proof of Stake,…

Pros and cons of PKI

Prospects

• Ensure authentication of the identities of parties involved who wish to transact or exchange information.
• Information is carefully encrypted and secured, only relevant parties can know.
• Thanks to the use of digital signatures, the integrity of data information is guaranteed, if any changes are detected immediately.
• The key and certificate management system always ensures that issuance, use, and revocation are carried out correctly.
• There is additional support for other security protocols and applications.

Cons

• Can be subject to security attacks by parties pretending to be reputable third-party digital authentication providers.
• There can be some major security holes in the encryption system if not implemented properly.
• Threatening information security, users have their Private Key information stolen, which is used as a decryption tool in the system.

What is the application of PKI?

Because of its security capabilities plus the great benefits that this system can bring, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is applied in many important areas such as:

• E-commerce: Used to authenticate user and website information as well as support transaction information security issues.
• Online banking: Used to protect financial transactions and customer information from attacks or unwanted transactions.
• Email security: Used as a component to help verify user identity as well as help identify and eliminate false information, spam,…

The above are just some shares about practical applications of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and there is still a lot of potential for development.

Conclusion

Finally, we have also introduced and shared with you all the most general and easy-to-understand content about the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) concept. Hope you find this content useful and see you again in another content from AZcoin.