Public Key Infrastructure - Enabling A Secure Digital Environment

User authentication: PKI enables secure access and logins. A user can be authenticated by the private key, which generates a digital certificate that is sent to an authentication server. Once received, the certificate is decrypted with the user's public key to validate the login credentials.

Data or information encryption: With PKI, messages, documents and data can be encrypted allowing only the intended recipient to access it. In such a scenario, a person's public key is used to encrypt the information and only the intended recipient can decrypt the information with his or her matching private key.

Digital signature: A digital signature can be used to secure a message, document or even transactions. The digital signature is created and encrypted with the user's private key and attached to the signed contents. When the information is received, the signature is decrypted along with the user's public key to validate the sender's identity, making transactions more secure.

Various PKI form factors The PKI technology can be used in different form factors:

Certificate-based PKI USB authentication tokens enable secure remote access as well as other advanced applications including digital signing, password management, network logon and combined physical/logical access in a single USB Authenticator (USB Token).

Certificate-based smart cards offer strong multi-factor authentication in a traditional credit card form factor and enable organizations to address their PKI security needs. Smart cards offer a single solution for strong authentication and applications access control, including remote access, network access, password management, network logon, as well as corporate ID badges, magnetic stripes and proximity.

PKI Technology across sectors

Government: As more and more government operations move online, advanced identity management systems that incorporate the PKI technology will become increasingly critical. With the increasing volume of confidential and critical data flowing through the government's systems, higher levels of authentication, confidentiality, access control, non-repudiation, and data integrity will be key to gaining citizens' trust and successfully implementing e-governance.

Enterprises: Data breaches due to system glitches, human errors and malicious attacks coupled with a growing mobile workforce are contributing to an upsurge in enterprise security threats. To add to this, devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets are easy targets for theft, dramatically increasing the chances of proprietary and confidential information being breached. PKI technology can offer the highest levels of authentication to ward off potential hackers and secure confidential enterprise information.

Banking: As banks look to increase their consumer base and find new channels of generating revenue via m-banking and e-banking, security is a major concern. Banks need to implement stringent security measures such as PKI tokens/ smartcards which will be imperative for banks to imbibe trust among its customers, increase loyalty, reduce overheads and support the overall growth of digital banking.

Digital technology offers huge potential for people all over the world. The possibilities are increasing daily but so are the threats. As threats grow, security will continue to remain on the top of the minds of consumers and enterprises. They understand that using a simple layer of security is no longer sufficient. Implementing PKI adds a strong layer of security creating a safer environment for transactions and authentications.