What Is a PKI Certificate?

PKI certificates are used to secure messages.

A public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate is a software management system and database management system that you can use to send messages via email. Keys serve as identification and confirmation of the sender or receiver of a message.

Purpose

PKI certificates can be accessed via a website or lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) server and used to send messages securely and privately. LDAP is an Internet protocol in which emails seek information found on a server.

Requirement

A digital signature is required to obtain a PKI certificate. Once acquired, a PKI certificate allows individuals to sign certificates, manage revoked certificates and receive a public key.

Function

When an individual sends a message, he enters his public key to encrypt the message. The individual who receives the message must use her private key to decrypt the message.

References

• PC Magazine: Public Key Cryptography
• The Linux Documentation Project: What is SSL and What are Certificates?