PKIinfrastruktuuri

PKIinfrastruktuuri refers to the Public Key Infrastructure used to manage digital certificates and public key cryptography. It is a system of hardware, software, policies, and procedures that enables the creation, management, distribution, use, storage, and revocation of digital certificates. The primary goal of PKIinfrastruktuuri is to provide a secure and trusted framework for electronic transactions and communications.

At its core, PKI relies on public key cryptography, where each user has a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is freely distributed and used to encrypt data or verify a digital signature, while the private key is kept secret and used to decrypt data or create a digital signature. A digital certificate acts as an electronic passport, binding a public key to an identity.

Key components of a PKIinfrastruktuuri include Certificate Authorities (CAs), Registration Authorities (RAs), Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs), and directories. CAs are trusted entities responsible for issuing and revoking digital certificates. RAs assist CAs by verifying the identity of certificate applicants. CRLs are lists of revoked certificates, and directories store and make certificates and CRLs accessible.

The establishment and maintenance of a robust PKIinfrastruktuuri are crucial for ensuring the authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality of digital information. It underpins many security services, including secure web browsing (SSL/TLS), email encryption and signing, secure software distribution, and digital identity management. A well-designed PKIinfrastruktuuri builds trust in online interactions and supports secure business operations.