What is the primary function of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?

The primary function of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is to create and manage public and private keys. PKI serves as a framework that enables secure communication through the use of asymmetric cryptography, which involves pairs of keys. The public key can be shared with anyone, while the private key is kept secret by the owner.

This infrastructure ensures the integrity and authenticity of digital communications by managing these keys, issuing digital certificates to verify identities, and facilitating the encryption and decryption of data. Through its components, such as Certificate Authorities (CAs) and registration authorities, PKI plays a crucial role in digital security, allowing users to trust that they are communicating with legitimate parties.

Other choices focus on different aspects of IT but do not align with the primary purpose of PKI, which is centered around key management and ensuring secure communications over networks.