Public Key

A public key is a part of a cryptographic system used for secure communication. It is like a digital lock that anyone can use to send you a private message. While the public key is shared openly, the corresponding private key, which is kept secret, is used to unlock or read the messages meant for you. This setup allows people to exchange sensitive information safely over the internet, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access the content. In essence, public keys facilitate secure communication without needing to exchange secret information beforehand.