Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2020

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

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

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a comprehensive system designed to manage digital keys and certificates, providing secure communication over digital networks. In India, PKI plays a crucial role in the context of digital security infrastructure, enabling secure electronic transactions, data protection, and authentication.
• Example of PKI in Use by UIDAI: Encryption of Biometric and Authentication Data: UIDAI mandates that biometric and authentication data collected during Aadhaar authentication processes be encrypted using PKI. This ensures that sensitive data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, are protected from unauthorized access and interception. Only authorised entities can access the data in its encrypted form, maintaining privacy and security.

Answer: (a) Digital security infrastructure; Difficulty Level: Medium