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Asymmetric cryptography key used for encryption or signature verification.

Definition

A public key is part of an asymmetric key pair. Depending on the scheme, it encrypts data (decrypted with the private key) or verifies digital signatures created with the private key.

In plain English Asymmetric cryptography key used for encryption or signature verification.

Why this matters

Why it matters: It supports secure key exchange, authentication, and confidentiality at internet scale.

Example

Example: TLS uses public keys (via certificates) to establish secure sessions.