Question

UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of

  1. 1. Digital security infrastructure
  2. 2. Food security infrastructure
  3. 3. Health care and education infrastructure
  4. 4. Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Digital security infrastructure

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • Public Key Infrastructure is a solid framework of encryption and cybersecurity that safeguards communication between the server and the client.

  • The basic idea is to have one or more trusted parties digitally sign documents certifying that a particular cryptographic key belongs to a particular user or device. The key can then be used as an identity for the user in digital networks. 

  • A public key infrastructure relies on digital signature technology, which uses public key cryptography. The basic idea is that the secret key of each entity is only known by that entity and is used for signing. This key is called the private key. Public Key is derived from it and is used for verifying signatures but cannot be used to sign. This public key is made available to anyone, and is typically included in the certificate document.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Information and Communication Technology

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