CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What is the primary function of a public key infrastructure?

1. A standardized set of roles, policies, and procedures for managing digital certificates

2. A system for physical access control to facilities

3. An application for managing user permissions across a network

4. A framework for developing web applications

The correct answer is: A standardized set of roles, policies, and procedures for managing digital certificates

The primary function of a public key infrastructure (PKI) is to establish a standardized set of roles, policies, and procedures for managing digital certificates. This infrastructure enables secure communications in a variety of contexts, such as securing emails, establishing secure web connections (HTTPS), and validating digital signatures. PKI is fundamental because it provides the necessary framework for the generation, distribution, and revocation of digital certificates, which are used to authenticate the identity of users, devices, or services. This process involves key pairs, where a public key is distributed and a private key is kept secret. The integrity and confidentiality of data can then be assured through these key pairs. In contrast, other options serve different functions. A system for physical access control addresses security in a physical setting rather than digital identity authentication. An application for managing user permissions focuses on access control within a network, which is different from the broader identity management that PKI provides. Lastly, a framework for developing web applications is unrelated to digital certificates and encryption, as its primary purpose is to support the development of software rather than securing communications.