What does Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) associate with cryptographic keys?

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework that manages digital certificates and public-key encryption, crucial for secure communication over networks. The primary function of PKI is to establish a link between entities (often referred to as subjects) and their corresponding cryptographic keys. This association is vital because it ensures that a specific public key can be related back to a specific individual or organization through its digital certificate.

When a public key is issued to an entity, it confirms that this key belongs to the claimed person or organization, providing assurance of identity. This identity verification process is critical when using public key cryptography for transactions or communications, as it helps prevent impersonation and ensures secure exchanges.

While web domains, encryption algorithms, and network devices play essential roles in cybersecurity, they do not directly involve the essential aspect of linking entities with their specific cryptographic keys in the same way that PKI does. Thus, the focus of Public Key Infrastructure is fundamentally about associating entities to whom keys are issued, facilitating trust and secure communications in digital interactions.