A standard that defines the general syntax for data that includes cryptographic features such as digital signatures, encryption, and certificate chains. Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard (PKCS-7) specifies the format in which the data is signed and encrypted, and the types of encryption algorithms used.
Data encrypted according to the PKCS-7 standard can have multiple digital certificates attached, including certificate revocation lists (CRLs).
Certificates include information concerning the issuer and serial number of the public key of the signer so that the recipient can decrypt the message.