Danni-Tech

Making the Complicated Simple

Security Plus PKI - What is the PKI?

  • Key Points from This Video on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI):

    • What is PKI?

      • PKI stands for Public Key Infrastructure.
      • It establishes a trusted framework for secure communication across the internet.
      • Three major components:
        1. Client
        2. Server
        3. Certificate Authority (CA)

    • 1. The Client:

      • The client is the device or user initiating communication.
      • Key Functions:
        • Establish a secure connection.
        • Verify identities to ensure communication is with a legitimate server.

    • 2. The Server:

      • The server provides the resource or service the client is requesting.
      • Key Function:
        • Prove to the client that it is legitimate and trustworthy before any sensitive data is exchanged.

    • 3. The Certificate Authority (CA):

      • The CA is a trusted third party that verifies the identity of servers.
      • Key Functions:
        • Validate identities of servers.
        • Generate digital certificates to confirm the legitimacy of servers.

    • How It All Comes Together:

      • PKI connects the client, server, and CA to enable secure communication.
      • It creates an environment where both parties can confidently exchange information, knowing their identities are verified and their communications are protected.

    • PKI in the Real World (World Wide Web Example):

      • Clients: Web browsers like Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
      • Servers: Websites like Google.com, X.com, and Facebook.com.
      • Certificate Authorities: Trusted organizations like GoDaddy, IdenTrust, and DigiCert.
        • Example: GoDaddy issues digital certificates to servers, verifying their identities.
        • When you connect to a website, your browser checks this certificate to ensure the site is legitimate.

    • What Happens When a Certificate is Invalid?

      • If a website’s certificate is expired or invalid, you may see an error message like:
        • “NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID”
      • This indicates the certificate has expired, and the connection may not be secure.
      • You’ll typically see a warning like: “Your connection is not private”—a sign that attackers might be trying to intercept your data.
      • Best Practice: Do NOT proceed to sites with certificate errors unless you’re certain they are safe.

    • Key Takeaways:

      1. Client: Establishes secure connections and verifies identities.
      2. Server: Proves its legitimacy and trustworthiness to the client before exchanging sensitive data.
      3. Certificate Authority (CA): Validates identities and issues digital certificates to secure online communications.