Key Exchange Protocols

Key exchange protocols are methods that enable two parties to securely share a secret key over an insecure channel, which they can then use for encrypted communication. Think of it like both parties agreeing on a password without anyone else catching it; they use special mathematical steps so that even if an eavesdropper listens, they cannot discover the secret. Protocols such as Diffie-Hellman allow this process to happen securely, ensuring that sensitive information remains private, even when transmitted over potentially insecure networks like the internet.