Question:
What is the main purpose of a private key in an asymmetric cryptographic system?
What is the main purpose of a private key in an asymmetric cryptographic system?
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The private key is the secret half. Which two operations require secrecy, unlocking and proving identity?
Updated On: Jul 2, 2026
- To generate random keys for encryption
- To encrypt messages for secure transmission
- To decrypt messages and sign digital documents
- To distribute keys in a secure manner
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: In asymmetric cryptography each user holds a key pair: a public key that anyone can see and a private key kept secret.
Step 2: For confidentiality, a sender encrypts with the receiver's public key, and only the matching private key can decrypt it. So the private key decrypts messages meant for its owner.
Step 3: For authentication, the owner signs a document with the private key, and others verify it with the public key. So the private key also creates digital signatures.
Step 4: Both roles, decryption and signing, belong to the private key. Encrypting for transmission uses the public key, so (B) is wrong. The answer is (C).
Step 2: For confidentiality, a sender encrypts with the receiver's public key, and only the matching private key can decrypt it. So the private key decrypts messages meant for its owner.
Step 3: For authentication, the owner signs a document with the private key, and others verify it with the public key. So the private key also creates digital signatures.
Step 4: Both roles, decryption and signing, belong to the private key. Encrypting for transmission uses the public key, so (B) is wrong. The answer is (C).
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