Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

User education plays a critical role in maintaining PKI security primarily because it equips users with the knowledge to follow best practices and recognize social engineering attacks. By understanding how to securely handle their private keys, recognize phishing schemes, and adhere to proper authentication methods, users can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches. Knowledgeable users are less likely to fall victim to tactics that exploit their lack of awareness, such as social engineering, where attackers manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information or access.

The other options do not address the integral aspects of user education in relation to PKI security. For example, while complex passwords are important for security, simply avoiding them does little to enhance understanding of overall PKI practices. Reducing the number of issued certificates is not inherently related to the awareness or knowledge of users regarding security practices. Additionally, while firewalls serve to protect networks, user education does not eliminate their necessity; rather, it complements technical security measures with informed user actions. Thus, the emphasis on best practices and awareness formed through user education underpins a more secure PKI environment.