What is PKI?

What is PKI?
PKI or Public Key Infrastructure is the framework of encryption and cybersecurity that protects communications between the server (your website) and the client (the users). 

How does PKI work?
PKI works by using two different cryptographic keys: a public key and a private key.

Examples of where PKI is used
Signing documents
Securing internal communications
Securing local networks
Email encryption
Secure messaging

In all these cases data security is of importance, which means PKI is used.

Why should you use PKI to secure email?
Just like PKI is important for securing web traffic, it is important for securing email. Data flowing over the open internet can be easily intercepted and read if it is not encrypted. More times than not it may be difficult to trust a sender is who they actually claim to be, and PKI allows for the authenticity to show. Securing email is one of the oldest and most common PKI system practices. 

What is the purpose of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?
The purpose of PKI is to manage keys and certificates. When you manage keys and certificates through a PKI that allows organizations to maintain a trustworthy network. Basically, it makes trustworthy online communication possible.

What elements go into PKI? 
1. Certificate authority. 
A certificate authority issues digital certificates signs them with its own public key and then stores them for reference. 

2. Registration authority
The registration authority verifies the identities of those requesting digital certificates. 

3. Certificate database
The certificate database is designed to store both the metadata and certificates.

4. Certificate policy
The certificate policy outlines PKI procedures. This allows outsiders the ability to judge how trustworthy the PKI is.