Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms

 Public Key Cryptography

Public key cryptography uses asymmetric encryption for key encryption and secret key encryption for data. We use an asymmetric algorithm to encrypt the secret key.

Diffie-Hellman

Used for key distribution, NOT encryption, and decryption. Subjects can exchange session keys over a non-secure medium without exposing the keys.

 Session-Key

“Secret” key used for one data exchange only. Usually randomly generated then encrypted using public cryptography

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) – X.509

PKI is an ISO authentication framework that uses public-key

cryptography and X.509 standard protocols.

 PKI provides authentication, confidentiality, non-repudiation and message integrity.

 The PKI infrastructure contains the pieces that will identify the user, distribute and maintain keys, distribute and maintain certificates and allow certificate revocation.

 Each individual taking part in PKI needs a digital signature signed by a CA.

Some well-known Certification Authorities are Entrust and VeriSign. The old method of revocation is handled by the certification revocation list (CRL).

New revocation is via Online Certificate Status Protocol OCSP

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