Multiple choice technology security

Which of the following can you reveal without compromising the security of the encrypted data

  1. Encrypted data itself

  2. Asymmetric private key

  3. Symmetric key

  4. Asymmetric public key
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In asymmetric cryptography, the public key is designed to be shared freely without compromising security. It can only be used to encrypt data or verify signatures - decryption requires the private key which must be kept secret. Encrypted data, private keys, and symmetric keys must all be protected.

AI explanation

In asymmetric (public-key) cryptography, the public key is designed to be shared openly — anyone can use it to encrypt data or verify a signature, and revealing it doesn't help an attacker decrypt anything, since only the paired private key can do that. Exposing the private key, the symmetric key, or the encrypted plaintext-equivalent secret would all directly threaten confidentiality, which is why only the public key is safe to disclose.

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