Asymmetric Cryptography

Asymmetric cryptography is a form of cryptography in which a user has possession of both a private and public key. The private key is intended to be kept secret, while the public key can be freely distributed. Although these keys are related mathematically, the private key cannot be derived directly from the public key. Data messages encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted using the corresponding private key. The two primary branches of asymmetric cryptography include: Public key encryption - to ensure integrity and confidentiality, a message encrypted with the recipient’s public key cannot be decrypted by any individual who doesn’t possess the corresponding private key. Digital signatures - a message signed with the sender’s private key may be verified by any individual with knowledge and access to the sender’s public key. This in turn proves that the sender has truly signed it, and that the message has not be altered by a third-party.