What ensures security in communications and transactions?

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is paramount in ensuring security in communications and transactions as it provides a framework for managing digital certificates and public-key encryption. PKI enables users to exchange data securely over networks, particularly the internet, by validating identities and establishing trust through the use of cryptographic keys.

When sensitive information is transmitted over a network, it is crucial to ensure that the data remains confidential and tamper-proof. PKI accomplishes this by facilitating encryption, digital signatures, and authentication. For example, during secure online transactions, PKI allows users to encrypt their communication, ensuring that no unauthorized party can access the information being exchanged. Additionally, PKI helps confirm the identity of the parties involved, mitigating the risk of impersonation and fraud.

While antivirus software and firewalls play complementary roles in protecting systems from malware and unauthorized access, respectively, they do not directly provide the robust security features necessary for secure communications and transactions like PKI does. Intranet networks may provide a controlled environment for data exchange but do not inherently ensure security in transactions crossing external networks. Therefore, the use of PKI is essential for establishing secure channels in both communications and transactions.