Public Key Infrastructure Components (PKI Components)

  • Registration Authority (RA)

    • Verifies the identities of people and organizations applying for certificates.

  • Certificate Authority (CA)

    • Issues, stores, and signs digital certificates.

  • Central Repository

    • A secure location where keys are stored and indexed.

  • Certificate Management System

    • Manages access to stored certificates, certificate issuance, and the certificate lifecycle.

  • Certificate Policy

    • Specifies requirements for PKI procedures and allows third parties to assess the trustworthiness of the PKI.

  • Validation Authority

    • Verifies the validity of digital certificates by checking lists of invalid certificates. It confirms whether a digital certificate was issued by a trusted certificate authority.