Public Key Infrastructure

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a combination of software, hardware, and policies used to secure communications over an insecure medium. PKI can also provide a system that allows validation of credentials, known as digital signatures, that are the cornerstone of the system.

• Please explain the PKI process and identify the PKI structure to include the major roles.
• As it relates to certificates in the real world, what is X.509 and why is it important?
• What are some issues that we should be aware of when building and using PKI Infrastructure?