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Public-key cryptography

Public-key cryptography is a cryptographic system that uses pairs of keys: public keys, which can be widely distributed, and private keys, which are kept secret. It relies on the mathematical relationship between the two keys, where data encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with the corresponding key from the pair.

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It relies on the mathematical relationship between the two keys, where data encrypted with one key can only be decrypted with the corresponding key from the pair. This allows for secure communication over unsecured channels, as the public key can be freely shared while the private key remains hidden. Public-key cryptography has a wide range of applications, including in secure communication protocols, digital signatures, and authentication. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since become a fundamental component of modern cryptography.