What are the main components of a PKI system?

The main components of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system are crucial for establishing a secure method of communication and identity verification within a network. The correct choice encompasses several fundamental elements that ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of the PKI framework.

Firstly, digital certificates serve as the backbone of PKI by associating encryption keys with identities, thereby allowing users to conduct secure communications online. These certificates are issued and verified by certificate authorities (CAs), which are trusted entities responsible for creating and managing digital certificates. The reliability and trustworthiness of a PKI system hinge on the CA's ability to validate identities and maintain the integrity of the information within the certificates.

Additionally, registration authorities (RAs) play a vital role in the enrollment process, acting as intermediaries that assist in verifying identity before certificates are issued by CAs. This ensures that only legitimate users receive access to the encryption keys associated with their identities. Key management is another critical element, involving the generation, distribution, storage, and revocation of cryptographic keys. Effective key management is essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of communications over the network.

While other choices mention various technology and infrastructure aspects, they do not encompass the core components that define a PKI system. They may include