Category: 9. Public Key Infrastructure

With vast networks and requirements of global communications, it is practically not feasible to have only one trusted CA from whom all users obtain their certificates. Secondly, availability of only one CA may lead to difficulties if CA is compromised. In such case, the hierarchical certification model is of interest since it allows public key… Continue reading Hierarchy of CA

As discussed above, the CA issues certificate to a client and assist other users to verify the certificate. The CA takes responsibility for identifying correctly the identity of the client asking for a certificate to be issued, and ensures that the information contained within the certificate is correct and digitally signs it. Key Functions of… Continue reading Certifying Authority (CA)

PKI provides assurance of public key. It provides the identification of public keys and their distribution. An anatomy of PKI comprises of the following components. Digital Certificate For analogy, a certificate can be considered as the ID card issued to the person. People use ID cards such as a driver’s license, passport to prove their… Continue reading Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

The most distinct feature of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is that it uses a pair of keys to achieve the underlying security service. The key pair comprises of private key and public key. Since the public keys are in open domain, they are likely to be abused. It is, thus, necessary to establish and maintain… Continue reading Public Key Infrastructure