Security Term

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

A framework of roles, policies, and technologies used to create, manage, and revoke digital certificates that enable secure communications.

What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?

PKI underpins HTTPS, email encryption (S/MIME), code signing, and VPN authentication. A Certificate Authority (CA) issues digital certificates that bind a public key to an identity. Proper PKI management — including certificate lifecycle tracking and timely revocation — is essential to maintaining trust.

Understanding this concept is crucial for maintaining a robust security posture. In the context of modern cyber threats, public key infrastructure (pki) represents a significant area of focus for security professionals and organizations alike.