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It seems that data is being encrypted using public key and decrypted using private key. Isn’t that opposite ?

Hi @Rahul_Arya !!
In asymmetric encryption, data is indeed encrypted using the recipient’s public key and decrypted using the recipient’s private key. This might seem counterintuitive at first glance, but it’s an essential part of the asymmetric encryption process, which provides certain security advantages.

Here’s a brief clarification:

  • Encryption (Public Key): The recipient’s public key is used for encryption. Anyone who wants to send an encrypted message to the recipient can use the recipient’s public key to encrypt the message. This ensures that only the recipient, who possesses the corresponding private key, can decrypt and access the original message.

  • Decryption (Private Key): The recipient’s private key is used for decryption. The recipient is the only one who has access to their private key, and it’s kept confidential. When they receive an encrypted message, they use their private key to decrypt it and reveal the original content.

This approach provides a way for secure communication without the need for both parties to share a common secret key (as is the case in symmetric encryption). It also allows for various security scenarios, such as digital signatures and secure communication in a public key infrastructure (PKI).

So, in summary, public keys are used for encryption, and private keys are used for decryption in asymmetric encryption. It’s a fundamental concept in modern cryptography.
I hope it helps.Happy Learning :blush: