A cryptographic key is a secret sequence of characters used to encrypt and decrypt data. Cryptographic key plays a key role in ensuring the security and confidentiality of information when using digital technologies.
Functions of a cryptographic key
- Encryption. When you want to protect data, you use a cryptographic key to convert information into an encrypted format that becomes unreadable to outsiders.
- Decryption. To return the data to its original state, the same or a corresponding cryptographic key is used. This ensures that only authorized persons can access the protected information.
Types of cryptographic key
- Symmetric key. Used for both encryption and decryption. Both parties must have the same key.
- Asymmetric key. Consist of a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This provides a higher level of security.
The security of a cryptographic key is also affected by its length, which is measured in bits. The longer the key, the harder it is to crack by brute force. Commonly used keys are 128, 256, or 512 bits long. For example, a key with a length of 256 bits is considered secure enough for most modern applications, since the number of possible combinations is huge and virtually impossible to crack with today’s computing power.
Cryptographic keys are used in various fields such as Internet connection security, email security and cloud data security. They are a fundamental element of modern cryptography and play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information.