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Asymmetric key encryption is also referred to as "public key encryption".
Using asymmetric key encryption actually requires 2 keys. One key (called the public
key) is known to everyone and used to encrypt/scramble a file. The second key (called
the private or secret key) is used to decrypt/unscramble the file. The private
or secret key is known only to the recipient of the message.
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Most programs that use asymmetric or "public key encryption" provide a means to acquire
and organize public encryption keys you collect from different people. Public keys are
also stored on computers that allow public access using the Internet. You can add your
public key or obtain someone else's public key from these computers (called key servers).
This allows a simple means for people to trade public keys and therefore send encrypted
e-mails, documents and other types of files that might be generated using a computer.
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Example: We'll use the same example I used earlier, but use asymmetric key encryption.
Again, you need to send a letter you typed to a friend or co-worker. The document contains important
personal information you do not want others to read. This time we will encrypt the
document with an application that uses "public key encryption" or an asymmetric key.
Remember when using asymmetric encryption a public key is used to encrypt and a private key
to decrypt. In this case the person who you are sending the encrypted letter to must first
send you their public key. You use their public key to encrypt the letter. When they
receive the e-mail they decrypt the letter with their private key. You must have a
public key for everyone you send encrypted files to.
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Many encryption applications/programs rely on the user to create a password. This password
is used as the key or to generate the key used for the encryption process. The strength
of encryption and the protection it offers is directly related to the quality of the
password you choose. In order to maximize the protection of encryption software that
requires a password you need to understand how to
create a good password. An alternative to creating your own
passwords is to use an application that helps you create good
passwords and stores them for you.
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Use Encryption - To protect the information stored on your computer.
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Use encryption to protect Microsoft Word documents, Quicken data files, archived faxes
and e-mails, tax returns, Excel spreadsheet or Access database files. Use encryption
to protect any file that contains private information that you do not want anyone else to
have access to.
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If you are strictly a home computer user consider the consequences of identity theft.
What do I mean by identity theft? Identity theft is the unauthorized use of your
personally identifying information by someone who uses it to commit a crime.
Examples of personally identifying information include your name, date of birth,
address, phone and drivers license number, Social Security and credit card numbers
and your mothers maiden name. These pieces of information can be used to fraudulently
obtain credit cards, a drivers license and other forms of identification using your
name. The criminal/information thief becomes you to the outside world. They are able
to use your name and credit to illegally purchase items, establish phone, utility,
bank/checking accounts and loans in your name.
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Once an identity thief obtains a drivers license with your name on it they could
pose as you to commit traffic crimes or worse. Illegal activity could go on without
your knowledge for years especially if the identity thief lived in a different
geographic region from you. An identity thief can do anything you can do
using your name. Take a minute to visit the US Federal Trade
Commission's Web site
on identity theft for further information. Life is about choices, you
can choose to protect yourself or choose to be an easy target for criminals.
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