What Is Public-Key Cryptography?
Public-key cryptography is a type of cryptographic system that uses two different keys, one public and one private. The public key can be used to encrypt messages sent from the sender to the receiver, while the private key is used by the receiver to decrypt those same messages. This type of encryption ensures that only someone with access to both keys can read or modify any data being transmitted between them. It also allows for digital signatures which are used as proof of identity when sending sensitive information over an insecure network such as the internet.
Public-key cryptography has become increasingly popular in recent years due its ability to provide secure communication without having to share secret information beforehand. By using this method, users can securely exchange confidential data without fear of interception or tampering by third parties. Additionally, it provides authentication so that each party knows who they are communicating with and verifies their identity before exchanging any sensitive information. Public-key cryptography is widely used today in many applications including online banking and ecommerce transactions where security is paramount.