There are multiple risks associated with PKI, but many entities feel that the largest risk is with key management. If PKI key management is mishandled, the entire PKI system could fail. For example, allowing attackers access to private keys is literally like giving away the keys to the server room. All of the implemented security measures would be for nothing.

Managing a secure environment with multiple keys and multiple entities can be overwhelming, and it’s a challenge some organizations are not willing to undertake. Finding the appropriate resources to understand and execute a PKI within an organization is not an easy task. Some organizations find themselves unable or unwilling to take on the financial burden of properly maintaining a PKI. For example, an organization may hire an employee who is not well versed on PKI in order to save on salary expenses. This may mean that the infrastructure will be implemented incorrectly and, therefore, lack appropriate security. An organization may also choose hardware or software that is inexpensive in order to save on costs, even if the tools do not comply with the organization’s standards. Again, this can mean the system will be implemented incorrectly and lack security.

These risks need to be weighed against the potential risk associated with not implementing PKI. How does an organization comply with the standards and regulations of protecting sensitive data if it does not implement PKI? What is the risk associated with customers whose data are stolen from the organization and used to ruin their credit rating or negatively affect other aspects of their life? How do you continue to do business securely if you do not employ the tools to do it correctly?

Risks associated with PKI can come in many forms but, in all cases, the risks must be weighed against the sensitivity of the data. Some organizations must implement PKI because the data they maintain are highly sensitive. Allowing highly sensitive data to get into the wrong hands can be detrimental to an organization and to the people, companies, and nations the users of PKI are trying to protect.