Fundamentals of InfoSecintermediate
Describe the key roles in encrypting a file for another person using public-key cryptography.
Answer
The sender obtains the recipient's public key and uses it to encrypt the file. The recipient uses the corresponding private key, which they keep secret, to decrypt the file.
Explanation
### The concept
A public and private key form a pair used for related operations. To send confidential data, the sender uses the recipient's public key. The recipient uses the matching private key to recover the readable data. The sender does not need to possess the recipient's private key. This differs from a digital signature, where the sender uses their own private key and recipients verify with the sender's public key.
### What a good answer covers
- The sender uses the recipient's public key.
- The recipient uses the matching private key.
- The private key stays with the recipient.
- Encryption for confidentiality differs from signing.
### Remember
The recipient's public key is for sending to them; their private key is for recovery.
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