Why do we need the Government of Canada PKI?



		Why do we need the Government of Canada PKI? Without security, the value of the information highway is significantly reduced. Security is a fundamental requirement for applications such as: basic electronic commerce (e.g., purchase orders, credit card information, etc . . . ); private E-mail; work flow automation using electronic forms with signatures; and legally binding electronic contracts. Security issues must be addressed before the information highway can begin to be used to its full potential. The Government of Canada PKI will provide solutions to the following issues: Privacy - keep information confidential; Access control - only allow selected recipients access to the information; Integrity - assurance that the information has not been altered; Authentication - proof of the originator of the information; and Non-repudiation - proof that information was sent by the originator.