Which of the following best describes public key encryption?

Public key encryption, also known as asymmetric encryption, operates on the principle of using two interdependent keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is shared openly and can be used by anyone to encrypt a message, while the corresponding private key is kept secret by the owner and is used to decrypt messages that were encrypted with the public key. This allows for secure communication and the ability to establish trust, as the private key does not need to be shared and remains confidential.

This dual-key system enhances security compared to symmetric encryption, which relies on a single key for both encryption and decryption, making key management more complex in scenarios where multiple parties need to communicate securely. Asymmetric encryption also supports digital signatures, allowing for authentication and integrity checks, which are essential in cybersecurity practices.