Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A private key is a cryptographic key that is kept secret and used to decrypt encrypted data or create digital signatures. It is unique to an individual or entity and should be securely stored.
A public key is derived from a private key and can be freely shared with others. It is used to encrypt data that can only be decrypted using the corresponding private key.
Encryption is the process of converting plain text into cipher text using an algorithm and a cryptographic key, such as a private key, to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Digital Signature: A digital signature is created using a private key to verify the authenticity and integrity of digital documents or messages. It provides assurance that the content has not been tampered with during transmission.