Asymmetric encryption
- Term
- Asymmetric encryption
- Exam
- CISA & CISM
- Definition
Encryption using a public and private key pair.
- Explained
Asymmetric encryption uses a key pair. Data encrypted with a public key can only be decrypted with the matching private key, which supports secure key exchange; signing uses the sender's private key and verification the public key.
- In practice
Encrypting a session key with the server's public key so only its private key can decrypt it.
- Often confused with
- Symmetric encryption
- Exam angle
Encrypt with the recipient's public key; sign with your own private key.
- Related