Public key technology and digital certificates are emerging as the preferred enablers of strong security for a wide range of e-business messaging applications. In this paper, an overview is provided for public key infrastructure (PKI) and its related technologies: cryptography, digital signature, and digital certificate. Current hot topics of PKI industry such as the trust models, cross-certification, interoperability and standards are described. Commercial PKI products are introduced with a website link to a detail product comparison report. References for further study have also been provided. The target audiences are PKI users, system integrators, software developers, line of business and IT managers, application service or commerce service providers.

Public key infrastructure (PKI) Digital Certificates Digital Signature Cryptography Cross-Certification