A framework for managing digital certificates and public-key encryption.
Description
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) refers to the collection of hardware, software, policies, and standards that are used to manage digital certificates and public-key encryption. In the context of Non-Human Identity Management, PKI plays a crucial role in authenticating and securing non-human entities such as IoT devices, software applications, or automated systems. Each non-human entity is assigned a unique digital certificate that binds its identity to a public key, allowing secure communication and identity verification. PKI ensures that only authorized entities can access specific resources, enabling trusted interactions between devices and systems. The infrastructure involves Certificate Authorities (CAs) that issue and manage these digital certificates, revocation services to invalidate compromised certificates, and protocols to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data in transit. As the number of connected devices increases, PKI is essential for establishing trust and security in automated and machine-to-machine communications, mitigating risks associated with identity theft and unauthorized access.
Examples
- IoT devices using digital certificates for secure communication.
- Automated software applications authenticating with PKI for access control.
Additional Information
- PKI can support various protocols such as TLS/SSL for secure web communications.
- It is critical for compliance with security standards in industries like finance and healthcare.