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Home / Glossary / RSA
Glossary · Security

RSA

Rivest, Shamir, & Adleman

In plain language

A widely used method that uses a public key to lock and a private key to unlock, so strangers can exchange secrets safely.

The metaphor

Like a padlock you give out freely, where only you hold the key.

Going deeper

How it works

  • It is behind the padlock in your browser.
  • Used for digital signatures and certificates.
  • Keys must be long enough.
  • Newer methods are replacing it for some uses.
In practice
  • A website certificate uses it.
  • A signed email depends on it.
  • A VPN uses it to set up a secure session.

A question owners ask

Do I need to choose it?

No. Your tools choose it for you.

Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingAccount takeoverACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAISAutomated Indicator SharingAPTAdvanced Persistent Threat

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