Asymmetric Encryption: Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Introduction

The word encryption always suggests to us that there is some narrative about the protection of data. But something that we do not know is that there are types of encryption. What is asymmetric key encryption?  One of the most well-known types of encryption is asymmetric encryption. This is also otherwise known as public-key cryptography. In this article, the readers will define asymmetric encryption and explain asymmetric encryption examples related to it. So stay tuned to catch up with all the detailed information about what is asymmetric encryption and do not miss out on any so that you can have a wholesome idea about asymmetric encryption.

1. What is Asymmetric Encryption?
2. Algorithm of Asymmetric Encryption
3. Uses of Asymmetric Encryption
4. Asymmetric Encryption Examples

1. What is Asymmetric Encryption?

Asymmetric encryption definition and symmetric encryption are poles apart. Unlike normal symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption first encrypts and then decrypt the raw data using separate but also mathematically connected keys. These cryptographic keys are also known as private keys and public keys and together they are referred to as private and public key pairs. To know more about this we need to briefly understand how does asymmetric encryption works?

As mentioned above asymmetric encryption techniques put two different cryptographic keys to use the first one is a public key which is used for encryption and the other is the private key which is used for decryption. As the name suggests the private key is only meant to be private so that the recipient of the key can only use it to decrypt the data.

An example can help us understand how asymmetric encryption works in a better way. The latest resume that you are running a spy agency and you are required to decode a mechanism for your spy agents so that it can be reported securely. You do not require two-way communication, and all you need is to receive regular reports in detail coming in from them. In this case, symmetric encryption can be of great help as it can create a public key for all the spy agents so that the information can be encrypted by them.. 

2. Algorithm of Asymmetric Encryption

The need for confidentiality is not known to us. The information must travel true people when required and this method helps in maintaining privacy yet not letting the workflow affected. This is an important way through which a one-way communication can be generated. Hence let’s figure out what are the types of asymmetric encryption algorithms are and how they help in generating a one-way communication.

In this part of the article, we bring you few asymmetric encryption algorithms. Trace them in the list of asymmetric encryption algorithms below:

• RSA:  This algorithm is named after Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Len Adleman, the founders of the algorithm in the year 1978, RSA is the abbreviation for Rivest-Shamir-Adleman. This is an algorithm that can be used for the encryption and thus the meaning of data. From all the other types of asymmetric encryptions, RSA is the most sought-after process. The asymmetric encryption process in RSA and the signing of the documents can be performed through various modular multiplication.
• ECC: ECC is the abbreviation for elliptic curve cryptography. This is another algorithm of asymmetric encryption. ECC is functionally similar to RSA. ECC is especially implemented on devices that are smaller like those of cell phones are smartphones. There is less requirement of the power of computing practice this algorithm compared to that of RSA. The points on the curve are used to define the private and the public key pair in this algorithm. Undeniably, with advantages, the disadvantages of asymmetric encryption with ECC are also there. 
• EI Gamal: EI Gamal: for the transmission of digital signatures and other key exchanges this algorithm is. This algorithm is completely based on the calculations of logarithmic numbers. It brings in both asymmetric encryption advantages and disadvantages
• DSA: DSA is the abbreviation for digital signature algorithm. It was developed by the government of the United States only for digital signatures. This algorithm is especially used for assigning the data and it can never be used for encryption. 

3. Uses of Asymmetric Encryption

Asymmetric encryption is not just a theory because the asymmetric encryption application is huge. The digital signatures in signatures stamps of authenticity and such things are an undeniable part of an organization’s. The proof and the evidence for the identity status of a document or provenance are approved by signatures and stamps. And the digital signatures form a major part of official work. Well in this part, we bring our readers a few important asymmetric encryption’s uses in the real life.

• It is used to retain confidentiality. The asymmetric encryption allows the sender to encrypt the critical data with the public key and the receiver can also be allowed to decrypt the data with the private key. Hence, asymmetric key encryption and decryption help in holding on to confidentiality. 
• Another important use of asymmetric encryption is retaining the authenticity of digital signatures. A sender can attach the digital signature along with the message using the private key whereas the receiver can use its public key to measure the authenticity of the sender. Only then the receiver can be sure that the messages are received by the authentic sender and not by fraudsters. This is one of the important and primary answers to where is asymmetric encryption used? 
• The information stays protected and the integrity of the exchange of information can also be achieved by using asymmetric encryption. This is a major answer to why is asymmetric encryption useful. 
• With the use of asymmetric encryption, the owner of the data or the information cannot ever disown the data, and hence the originator of the transaction can never deny processing the information. And here you can guess, why is asymmetric encryption better than symmetric. 

4. Asymmetric Encryption Examples

There are many asymmetric encryption examples. In the real world, we come across this a lot. Whenever we reached out to a website that is secured by HTTPS we are using the asymmetric key encryption example method where we can also send mails retaining our privacy with the help of PGP protocol. Another example of asymmetric encryption algorithms is the use of Bitcoin which uses this method to be assured that the money wallet owner can transfer or withdraw the money with the help of it

Final Words

Hence, this article has detailed information asymmetric encryption explained to you. Here is hope that you could understand the asymmetric encryption meaning, asymmetric encryption methods, asymmetric encryption protocols, and asymmetric encryption technologies.

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