Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Explained: Key Concepts and Implementation Guide

Understanding Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

Question

Which of the following statements about Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) are true? Each correct answer represents a complete solution.

Choose two.

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D.

BC.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system that provides a secure way to exchange digital information using asymmetric encryption and digital signatures. It enables secure communication by ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of electronic transactions.

The correct answers to the question are C and B.

C. It uses asymmetric key pairs: PKI is based on asymmetric encryption, which means it uses two different keys, a public key, and a private key. The public key is used for encryption, while the private key is used for decryption. The keys are mathematically related, but it is practically impossible to derive the private key from the public key. PKI uses a certificate authority (CA) to issue and manage digital certificates that contain public keys.

B. It provides security using data encryption and digital signature: PKI provides security using both data encryption and digital signatures. Encryption ensures that only the intended recipient can read the message, while digital signatures ensure that the message has not been tampered with during transmission. Digital signatures also provide non-repudiation, meaning that the sender cannot deny sending the message.

A. It uses symmetric key pairs: This statement is incorrect. PKI uses asymmetric key pairs, not symmetric key pairs.

D. It is a digital representation of information that identifies users: This statement is partially correct. PKI uses digital certificates to represent and verify the identity of users, devices, and services. However, it is not a digital representation of information itself, but rather a means of providing trust and security for digital information.