What is PKI?
The public key infrastructure (PKI) provides applications with
a framework for performing the following types of security-related
activities:
- Authenticate all parties that engage in electronic transactions
- Authorize access to sensitive systems and repositories
- Verify the author of each message through its digital signature
- Encrypt the content of all communications.
The PKIX standard evolved from PKI to support the interoperability of applications that engage in e-business. Its main advantage is that it enables organizations to conduct secure electronic transactions without regard for operating platform or application software package.
The PKIX implementation in PKI Services is based on the Internet X.509 Public Key Infrastructure Certificate and Certificate Revocation List (CRL) Profile, RFC 5280.