Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Also known as: Digital Certificate Framework, Crypto Identity Infrastructure, PKI System
A framework that manages cryptographic keys and certificates to enable secure communication and identity verification.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system that enables secure digital communication through the management of cryptographic key pairs and digital certificates. PKI ensures that public keys are associated with verified identities by using trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs) to issue, revoke, and manage certificates. In blockchain and Web3, PKI principles support identity verification, encrypted messaging, and secure transaction signing. While traditional PKI relies on centralized trust models, decentralized alternatives are emerging in the form of blockchain-based identity protocols and certificate registries.