Primary definition
A branch of cryptography in which a cryptographic system or algorithms use two uniquely linked keys: a public key and a private key (a key pair).
Also known asasymmetric cryptography · asymmetric-key cryptography · public-key encryption · PKC
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— NICCS GlossaryView source
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NICCS
A branch of cryptography in which a cryptographic system or algorithms use two uniquely linked keys: a public key and a private key (a key pair).
NICCS Glossary · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Public Key Cryptography. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/public-key-cryptography
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
NICCS Glossary
NICCS Glossary
High consensus
02
The Cyber Glossary
The Cyber Glossary
Multi-source
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