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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Foundational

Asymmetric Encryption

Encryption using a mathematically related key pair: a public key to encrypt or verify and a private key to decrypt or sign.

Definition

Asymmetric (public key) cryptography solves the key distribution problem because public keys can be shared openly. It is computationally slower than symmetric encryption, so it is mainly used for key exchange, digital signatures, and small data. Common algorithms include RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and elliptic curve variants.

Example

Alice encrypts a session key with Bob's public key; only Bob's private key can decrypt it.

Exam tip

Encrypt with the recipient's public key for confidentiality; sign with your own private key for authenticity.

Don't confuse it with

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