Unlock the secrets of public key cryptography with this comprehensive tutorial.
Introduction to Public Key Cryptography
Public Key Cryptography is a method of encryption that uses a pair of keys: a public key and a private key.
The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used to decrypt it.
This system allows for secure communication over insecure channels, as only the intended recipient with the private key can decrypt the message.
It is widely used in securing online transactions, digital signatures, and secure communication protocols.
Understanding Key Generation
| Key Generation | Description |
|---|---|
| Public Key | Generated by the user and made public for encryption purposes |
| Private Key | Generated by the user and kept secret for decryption purposes |
| Key Pair | Consists of a public key and a corresponding private key |
| Randomness | Key generation process relies on random number generation for security |
Digital Signatures and Authentication
Digital signatures are a crucial component of public key cryptography, providing a way to verify the authenticity of a message or document.
Using a private key, a sender can create a unique signature for their message, which can then be verified using the corresponding public key.
This ensures that the message has not been tampered with and that it was indeed sent by the expected sender.
Authentication is achieved through the use of digital certificates, which bind a public key to a specific entity or individual.
