Public-Key-Infrastruktur (PKI)

A Public Key Infrastructure, or PKI, provides the technical and organisational foundation for the secure use of asymmetric cryptography. It manages digital certificates and associated public and private keys used to verify identities, encrypt data and create digital signatures. Core components include Certificate Authorities, Registration Authorities, digital certificates and mechanisms for checking certificate status. A Certificate Authority issues certificates and confirms the association between a public key and a specific identity. Revoked certificates can be identified through mechanisms such as Certificate Revocation Lists or the Online Certificate Status Protocol. PKI systems are widely used for TLS connections, VPNs, email encryption, digital signatures and the authentication of users and devices.