What is the function of the Certificate Revocation List (CRL)?

The function of the Certificate Revocation List (CRL) is to store information regarding revoked certificates. This list is crucial for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). When a digital certificate is no longer considered valid—due to reasons such as compromise of the private key, change in affiliation, or other security concerns—it is added to the CRL.

The CRL allows relying parties, or users of digital certificates, to check whether a certificate is still valid before accepting it as trustworthy. By referring to this list, an organization can manage the risk of using compromised certificates, thus enhancing overall security within the network.

In contrast, other options don't accurately describe the primary function of the CRL. Validating certificate requests involves processes that take place during certificate issuance, not revocation. Ensuring the safety of encryption keys relates to key management practices, while requesting new certificates pertains to the issuance process rather than revocation. Thus, the CRL's specific role in maintaining a record of invalidated certificates highlights its importance in cybersecurity practices.