Asymmetric encryption (RSA) in Computer Networks - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is asymmetric encryption?

Asymmetric encryption uses two different keys: a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it. This allows secure communication without sharing the private key.

beginner

What does RSA stand for in RSA encryption?

RSA stands for Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman, the three scientists who invented this encryption method in 1977.

intermediate

How does RSA encryption ensure security?

RSA relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers into primes. The public key is based on a large number, and only the private key can decrypt messages because it knows the prime factors.

beginner

What are the two keys used in RSA encryption called?

The two keys are called the public key (shared openly) and the private key (kept secret). The public key encrypts data, and the private key decrypts it.

beginner

Why is RSA important for secure internet communication?

RSA allows people to send private messages over the internet without sharing secret keys beforehand. It helps protect passwords, credit card info, and other sensitive data.

What key is used to encrypt data in RSA?

A Private key

B Public key

C Secret key

D Symmetric key

In RSA, the public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used to decrypt it.

What makes RSA encryption secure?

A Encrypting with the private key only

B Using very short keys

C Factoring large numbers is hard

D Sharing private keys openly

RSA's security depends on the difficulty of factoring large numbers into primes.

Who invented RSA encryption?

A Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman

B Newton, Einstein, and Tesla

C Turing, Shannon, and Hopper

D Bell, Morse, and Marconi

RSA is named after its inventors: Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman.

Which key must be kept secret in RSA?

A Private key

B Public key

C Encryption key

D Session key

The private key must be kept secret to ensure only the owner can decrypt messages.

What is a common use of RSA encryption?

A Speeding up internet

B Compressing files

C Creating graphics

D Protecting online passwords

RSA is widely used to protect sensitive data like passwords during online communication.

Explain how RSA encryption uses two keys to secure communication.

Think about how you can send a locked message that only one person can open.

Describe why factoring large numbers is important for RSA security.

Consider why breaking RSA is hard for computers.