Public Key Infrastructure and Encryption Methods

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct application of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)?

  • Securing encrypted communication between devices
  • Authenticating the identity of a website or user
  • Generating encryption keys for use with symmetric algorithms (correct)
  • Verifying digital signatures on software downloads

In the context of asymmetric encryption, what is the primary function of the private key?

  • Generating a public key that is mathematically linked to the private key
  • Decrypting data that was encrypted using the corresponding public key (correct)
  • Securing the private key by creating a digital signature
  • Encrypting data that can only be decrypted by the corresponding public key

Why is symmetric encryption considered challenging to manage in situations with many individuals or devices?

  • The same key is used for both encryption and decryption, requiring secure distribution to all parties (correct)
  • Symmetric encryption is computationally expensive, making it impractical for large-scale use
  • The symmetric key needs to be frequently changed to maintain security
  • The public key can be used by anyone, making it difficult to ensure confidentiality

Which of the following is a true statement about public and private keys in asymmetric encryption?

<p>The two keys are mathematically related but cannot be derived from each other (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using a Certificate Authority (CA) in the context of PKI?

<p>To issue and verify digital certificates that bind an identity to a public key (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a large organization, why is key management a crucial aspect of asymmetric encryption?

<p>To prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive data using private keys (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common need for key management within a large organization?

<p>Encrypting data with a private key to ensure only authorized individuals can decrypt it (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?

<p>Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses two separate keys (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of third-party key escrow in a large organization?

<p>To ensure that sensitive data can be decrypted if employees leave the company or lose their keys (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates the need for key management in an organization?

<p>A former employee tries to access sensitive data after leaving the company (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

A system that manages digital certificates for authentication and encryption.

Digital Certificates

Electronic documents that prove the ownership of a public key.

Certificate Authority (CA)

An entity that issues digital certificates and verifies identities.

Symmetric Encryption

Encryption that uses the same key for both encrypting and decrypting.

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Asymmetric Encryption

Encryption using a pair of keys: a public key for encrypting and a private key for decrypting.

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Key Pair

A set of two keys: one public and one private used in asymmetric encryption.

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Public Key Generation

The process of creating public keys using randomization and cryptography.

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Key Management

The administration of cryptographic keys in a cryptosystem.

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Key Escrow

A security arrangement where a third party holds a user's private key.

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Public Key Usage

The process of utilizing a public key to encrypt data.

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Study Notes

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

  • A set of policies, procedures, hardware, and software that manage digital certificates for authentication and encryption.
  • Key aspects include creation, distribution, management, storage, and revocation of digital certificates.
  • Real-world application: Establishes trust in online interactions by verifying user and device identities.
  • Example: Linking a certificate to a person or device, often through a Certificate Authority (CA).

Symmetric Encryption

  • Uses the same key for encryption and decryption.
  • Analogy: A secret key locked in a briefcase attached to a security guard.
  • Key characteristic: The key must be securely shared for decryption.
  • Challenges: Secure key management and sharing become difficult with many users or devices.

Asymmetric Encryption

  • Uses separate keys for encryption (public key) and decryption (private key).
  • Key relationship: Public and private keys are mathematically linked but one cannot be derived from the other.
  • Process: Keys created simultaneously.
    • Public key is accessible to everyone.
    • Private key is kept secret, accessible only to the owner.
  • Security advantage: Data encrypted using the public key can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key.
  • Uses: PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) and GPG (GNU Privacy Guard).

Public Key Generation

  • Method involves randomization, large prime numbers, and complex cryptography.
  • Frequency: Typically performed once initially.

Encrypting and Decrypting with Public and Private Keys

  • Example: Alice creates a public/private key pair.
    • Makes the public key available to everyone.
    • Bob uses Alice's public key to encrypt a message (ciphertext).
    • Alice uses her private key to decrypt the ciphertext back into the original message (plaintext).

Managing Public and Private Keys

  • Individual user: Each user manages their own key pair.
  • Large organizations: Managing keys for numerous users requires a system.
    • Third-party key escrow: Private keys stored and managed by a third party.
    • Key escrow: Private keys stored locally for future access.
  • Common needs for key management: Decrypting data of departed employees, data decryption in collaborative projects involving multiple organizations.
  • Controversy: Giving private keys to a third party for management is a potential security risk.
  • Justification: May be necessary for maintaining data accessibility and uptime in organizations.

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