Private Key
Private Key: The secret part of an asymmetric key pair that is typically used to digitally sign or decrypt data.
Definition
The secret part of an asymmetric key pair that is typically used to digitally sign or decrypt data.
Alternative Definitions
- Definition 2
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.
- Definition 3
A mathematical key (kept secret by the holder) used to create digital signatures and, depending upon the algorithm, to decrypt messages or files encrypted (for confidentiality) with the corresponding public key.
- Definition 4
A cryptographic key that must be kept confidential and is used to enable the operation of an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm.
- Definition 5
The “secret part of an asymmetric key pair that is typically used to digitally sign or decrypt data.” 2005 VVSG GLOSSARY. Cf. PUBLIC KEY. See CRYPTOGRAPHY.