A cryptographic technique that uses a pair of keys for secure communication.
Description
Public Key Encryption, also known as asymmetric encryption, is a method used in cybersecurity to secure data transmission over the internet. It involves a pair of keys: a public key, which can be shared with anyone, and a private key, which is kept secret by the owner. When someone wants to send a secure message, they use the recipient's public key to encrypt the message. Only the recipient can decrypt the message using their private key. This method ensures that even if the encrypted message is intercepted, it cannot be read without the private key. Public Key Encryption is widely used in various applications, including secure email communication, online banking, and digital signatures. For example, when you send an email using PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), your email is encrypted with the recipient's public key, guaranteeing privacy. Additionally, when accessing secure websites (HTTPS), your browser uses Public Key Encryption to establish a secure connection with the server, protecting sensitive data like credit card information during online transactions.
Examples
- Secure email communication using PGP.
- Establishing HTTPS connections for safe online banking.
Additional Information
- Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) supports the use of Public Key Encryption by managing digital certificates.
- Common algorithms include RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), which are vital for securing data.