How Public Key Cryptography Really Works, Using Only Simple Math
This article sheds light on the fascinating world of public key cryptography, explaining how it allows secure communication over the internet through simple mathematical principles. It breaks down the complex concepts behind encryption and decryption, making them accessible for everyone.
Key Points
- Public key cryptography uses a pair of keys: a public key that can encrypt messages and a private key that decrypts them.
- The system ensures that even if the public key is widely shared, only the holder of the private key can read the messages.
- It relies on mathematical functions known as trapdoor functions that are easy to compute one way but extremely difficult to reverse.
- The RSA algorithm, a widely used form of public key cryptography, was developed in the 1970s and remains a cornerstone of online security today.
- This two-key method also enables digital signatures, proving the identity of the message sender.
Why should I read this?
If you’ve ever wondered how your online banking or shopping experiences stay secure, this article is a must-read! By breaking down the intricacies of public key cryptography into bite-sized pieces, it reveals not just how your data stays safe but why this technology is foundational to the internet as we know it today. It’s the kind of tech insight that’s helpful for everyone navigating today’s digital landscape.