RSA is a public key encryption algorithm invented in 1978 by Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman; and so is named after them.
Text or data is encrypted with one numeric key (or password) and decrypted with another. The person intending to receive the data generates a public and private key. The public key is shared with the sender (and anyone else who may intercept it), and the private key is kept secret with the receiver. Anyone may encrypt data with the public key, but only the private key may decrypt it.
Text or data is encrypted with one numeric key (or password) and decrypted with another. The person intending to receive the data generates a public and private key. The public key is shared with the sender (and anyone else who may intercept it), and the private key is kept secret with the receiver. Anyone may encrypt data with the public key, but only the private key may decrypt it.
(RSA can be used to secure communication over public channels without ever meeting the person you're speaking with.)
by Raccoon January 06, 2006