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 (your users). Think about all the information, people, and services that your team communicates and works with. PKI is essential in building a trusted and secure business environment by being able to verify and exchange data between various servers and users.
What is PKI Security?
Public Key Infrastructure is a complex subject, so you may be wondering if it actually performs encryption. The simple answer is yes, it does. PKI covers encryption of classified information and private identities. It also secures the identification of machines, data, people, and devices for the exchange of information.
Popular Ways PKI Security is Used
- Securing and monitoring IoT devices
- Electronic identification and passports
- Device ownership detection
- Password free wi-fi access
- Securing emails
- Securing web communications (such as retail transactions)
- Digitally signing software
- Digitally signing applications
- Encrypting files
- Decrypting files
- Smart card authentication
How do you Generate a Public Key?
A public key is generated through a digital certificate, which carries important information that identifies the public key holder. You can create your own certificate, or apply for a digital certificate through a third-party or Certificate Authority. Certificate Authorities validate the identities of the individuals and/or servers involved in order to prevent fraud and viruses.
What is the Benefit of Providing a Public Key in the Form of a Certificate?
PKI authentication through the use of digital certificates is the most effective way to protect confidential electronic data. These digital certificates are incredibly detailed and unique to each individual user, making them nearly impossible to falsify.
Once a user is issued a unique certificate, the details incorporated into the certificate undergo a very thorough vetting process that includes PKI authentication and authorization. Certificates are backed by a number of security processes such as timestamping, registration, validation, and more to ensure the privacy of both the identity and the electronic data affiliated with the certificate.
Does using a PKI Infrastructure Guarantee Secure Authentication?
As far as we know, secure authentication is not a solid guarantee no matter how careful we are to facilitate a foundation of encryption and protection. Breaches in security do happen from time to time, which is what makes the Certificate Authority and Registration Authority so vital to the operations.
What are the Components of Public Key Infrastructure?
1. Digital Certificates:
A file that verifies the identity of a device or user and enables encrypted connections for your protection.
2. Certificate Authority
A Certification Authority (CA) is a trusted party signing the document associating the key with the device. The certificate authority also has a cryptographic key that it uses for creating, signing, and revoking digital certificates that assign public keys to user identities. These documents are called certificates.
3. Registration Authority:
A Registration Authority (RA) is a function for certificate enrollment used in public key infrastructures. It is responsible for receiving certificate signing requests – for the initial enrollment or renewals – from people, servers, things, or other applications
Our cyber security team stands ready to help meet your needs, with:
- Integrating IoT devices with third-party and in-house applications
- Compliance with regulatory and industry standards and best
- Managing internal and external threats
- Maintaining online hygiene
- Performing analysis of cybersecurity infrastructure
- Structural assessments
- Customized cybersecurity services
- Project management and implementation
In-Source Cyber Protection is a comprehensive and agile platform, developed by our cybersecurity team, and recognized for its cybercrime detection and prevention experience. We enhance your existing cybersecurity resources and systems with an infrastructure you control and manage in-house. IoTech Protect will support development and execution of these long-range strategic plans, helping you adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.
Contact Us to learn how we can help mitigate risk and protect your online presence.