What does PKI stand for in terms of securing electronic communications?

PKI stands for Public Key Infrastructure, which is a framework that enables secure communications over networks such as the internet. It uses a combination of hardware, software, policies, and standards to manage digital keys and certificates that authenticate the identities of users and devices. By facilitating the use of asymmetric cryptography, where a public key is used for encryption and a corresponding private key is used for decryption, PKI ensures that data can be transmitted securely and that parties involved in the communication can be verified.

This infrastructure supports various security protocols, including Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), and digital signatures. It is critical for enabling secure online transactions, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. The other terms in the options do not accurately represent the established concept of PKI or its functions in securing electronic communications.