What role does public key infrastructure (PKI) play in data transmission?

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a critical framework that supports various security services in data transmission, and one of its primary roles is the distribution of encryption keys used for identity verification. PKI utilizes a pair of keys—a public key and a private key—that work together to enhance data security in communications.

When data is transmitted over the internet, it is vital to ensure that the identities of the parties involved are authentic to prevent unauthorized access or fraudulent activity. PKI helps to verify the identity of the parties by allowing them to exchange public keys securely. This framework also involves the issuance of digital certificates, which validate the ownership of the public keys and confirm the identity of the entity presenting the certificate.

By enabling secure key distribution and providing a method to verify identities, PKI plays a crucial role in establishing trust in digital transactions. This trust is essential for various applications, including secure communications, online banking, and e-commerce, where the integrity and authenticity of the transmitted data are paramount.

In contrast, while encryption for confidentiality is an important aspect of data security, PKI's primary function is within the realm of identity verification and key management, rather than solely focusing on encryption itself. Additionally, the storage of digital certificates in a secure database is part of how