What is Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?
Posted by Peter Brady on Mon 18th September 2006 at 07:00 AM, Filed in Credit Tips, Glossary
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a computer technology which facilitates secure exchange of information between individuals through computer systems. The system permits trusted parties such as a bank, to issue Digital Certificates to people that need to trust each other. The technology generally operates with the IP address. The purpose of the certificates is for holders to prove their identity. It is possible for them to also digitally sign transactions and documents. Authenticity of the transaction is substantiated by the signature and also proves that the data exchanged has not been tampered with or changed. The same technology is now being used to encrypt data in transit, which ensures that the intended recipient is the only one to have read access.
Note: Digital signatures are now acceptable in a court of law.
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