Why Public Key Infrastructure Isn’t the Silver Bullet for Digital Security

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), though vital for digital security, is far from flawless. From the complexity of managing X.509 certificates and high operational costs to legal liability, misplaced trust in Certificate Authorities, and user misunderstanding, PKIs face deep challenges. Experts like Bruce Schneier caution that PKI is not a silver bullet, highlighting risks in identity verification, non-repudiation, and cross-certification. Understanding these pitfalls is essential for organizations relying on PKI to build digital trust.