About Lesson
What is Asymmetric Key Cryptography?
Asymmetric Key Cryptography, also known as Public-Key Cryptography, is a cryptographic system that uses a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. These keys are mathematically related but serve different purposes:
- The public key is used for encryption or signature verification and can be shared openly.
- The private key is used for decryption or signature creation and must be kept secret.
Unlike symmetric cryptography, which uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, asymmetric cryptography ensures enhanced security by separating these processes. It is the backbone of secure digital communications, especially over untrusted networks like the internet.