Public Key Distribution The Foundation of Secure Communication
Public Key Distribution The Foundation of Secure Communication
VP
by Vaibhavi Panchal
Understanding Public Key Cryptography
Asymmetric Encryption Digital Signatures
Public key cryptography utilizes a pair of mathematically linked Digital signatures use a private key to create a unique code for
keys: a public key and a private key. The public key can be a message, verifiable with the corresponding public key. This
shared with anyone, while the private key must remain ensures message authenticity and integrity, preventing
confidential. This asymmetric encryption scheme allows for tampering and fraud. Digital signatures are widely used for
secure communication and digital signatures. secure communication and electronic transactions.
Challenges in Key Exchange
Public Calculations
Each party generates a private key and a public key based on a
predefined mathematical operation. The public keys are exchanged over
the channel.
Public key certificates act as digital CAs are trusted entities that issue and When receiving a public key certificate,
identity cards, binding a public key to a manage public key certificates. They recipients can verify its authenticity
specific entity. They contain verify the identity of applicants and and the identity of the owner by
information about the owner, the ensure the authenticity of certificates. checking the CA's signature and
public key, and the issuing Certificate CAs play a vital role in establishing retrieving the CA's public key from a
Authority (CA). trust and security in public key trusted list.
cryptography.
Transport Layer Security (TLS) and
Public Key Distribution
1 Handshake Phase
TLS uses public key cryptography to establish a secure communication
channel. The client and server exchange certificates, verifying each other's
identities and establishing trust.
3 Encrypted Communication
All subsequent communication is encrypted using the shared session key,
ensuring that only the intended parties can decrypt the information. TLS
provides a secure layer for communication over the internet.
Best Practices for Public Key
Management