Public key infrastructure using blockchains

An apparatus for performing public key infrastructure operations using a distributed digital ledger (DDL), the apparatus comprising:

• a processor that, when in operation, is coupled to a network adapter and a memory;
• wherein the apparatus is to:
• receive, from a introducee principal, a proof-of-work;
• combine the proof-of-work with an identifier of the introducee principal;
• generate an introduction of the introducee principal, wherein to generate the introduction includes the apparatus to sign, using an asymmetric private key assigned to the apparatus, the combination of the proof-of-work and the identifier of the introducee principal;
• and
• publish the introduction of the introducee principal to a DDL.

A method for performing public key infrastructure operations using a distributed digital ledger (DDL), the method performed by a device, the method comprising:

• receiving, via a network adapter of a device, a data package corresponding to a participant of a DDL;
• determining a type of the data package;
• and
• performing, based on the determined type of the data package, a revocation check of the DDL participant to determine whether the data package has been revoked.

At least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to:

• receive, via the network adapter, a data package corresponding to a participant of a DDL;
• determine a type of the data package;
• and
• perform, based on the determined type of the data package, a revocation check of the DDL participant to determine whether the data package has been revoked.