Key Pair

A key pair is a set of cryptographic keys used in asymmetric encryption, typically consisting of:

• Public Key:
  This key can be shared openly and is used to encrypt data or verify digital signatures. It allows anyone to send encrypted messages or verify the identity of the private key holder.

• Private Key:
  This key must be kept secret and is used to decrypt data or create digital signatures. The private key provides access to the encrypted data or proves the authenticity of messages.

How it Works

In encryption, data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key.

For digital signatures, the private key signs a message, and anyone with the public key can verify its authenticity.

Key pairs are fundamental in public key cryptography, securing sensitive communications and enabling trusted digital interactions in protocols like SSL/TLS, email encryption, and blockchain transactions.

Key Pairs in Device Attestations

A device attestation generates a unique public/private key pair. The device-specific private key is never directly exposed and signs over attestation reports to prove the device’s authenticity.

Key pairs are key component of Automata's Proof of Machinehood, learn more about why device authenticity is so important here.