Public Key Infrastructure
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework of technologies, policies, and procedures that enables secure electronic communication by managing digital certificates and public-key encryption. It establishes trust in digital identities for entities like users, devices, or services, facilitating authentication, encryption, and digital signatures. PKI is foundational for securing web traffic (HTTPS), email, VPNs, and software distribution.
Developers should learn PKI when building systems requiring secure authentication, data encryption, or integrity verification, such as web applications with HTTPS, IoT device management, or enterprise software with access controls. It's essential for implementing SSL/TLS protocols, securing APIs, and ensuring compliance with security standards like GDPR or HIPAA, as it prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and verifies entity identities.