A cryptographic key that is used with an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm. For digital signatures, the private key is uniquely associated with the owner and is not made public. The private key is used to compute a digital signature that may be verified using the corresponding public key or to decrypt information which has been encrypted using the public key.
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A cryptographic key that is used with an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm. For digital signatures, the private key is uniquely associated with the owner and is not made public. The private key is used to compute a digital signature that may be verified using the corresponding public key or to decrypt information which has been encrypted using the public key.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Private Key. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/private-key
Sources
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High consensus
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Multi-source
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Disputed
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Multi-source
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Disputed
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Multi-source
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