A Distributed Cryptographic Authority Infrastructure for Trustless Key Architecture

International Journal of Computer Science and Technology Vol. 1, No. 8, August 1999 | pp. 61–69

DOI: 10.46882/1999/IJCST/000008

Research Article

Title: A Distributed Cryptographic Authority Infrastructure for Trustless Key Architecture

Names of Authors: Luca Rossi¹, Fatima Al-Suwaidi²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Computer Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy; ²Department of Software Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE.

Abstract:
Public-Key Infrastructures (PKIs) secure global network exchanges, yet centralized certificate authorities introduce single-point-of-failure risks and high performance overheads during peak validation demands. This paper presents an alternative decentralized certificate management framework that distributes key management tasks across a trusted network layout. Every verified terminal receives a distinct identity credential linked to an asymmetric key set managed through a distributed transaction ledger. Authentication is verified locally using challenge-response cryptographic protocols, removing the need for a single look-up registry. We developed a functional prototype on a multi-node enterprise platform to evaluate validation delay metrics across edge hardware. The system processed identity authorizations in under 45 milliseconds, using minimal processor overhead. Smart validation blocks handle certificate cancellation and credential renewal tasks securely. The system exhibits complete defense against major security risk vectors, including man-in-the-middle exploits and message replay actions. This decentralized layout drops dependency on central authorities, providing secure certificate administration for open network applications.

Keywords: Public-Key Infrastructure, Key Management, Cryptographic Protocols, Decentralized Architecture, System Security, Network Trust.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 11, 1999; Revised: June 20, 1999; Accepted: July 12, 1999; Published: August 26, 1999.

Citation: Rossi, L., & Al-Suwaidi, F. (1999). A Distributed Cryptographic Authority Infrastructure for Trustless Key Architecture. International Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 1(8), 61–69.

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