Final answer:
Asymmetric cryptography refers to a secure communication method that uses a pair of keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. It is a fundamental concept in computers and technology that ensures data security in various online transactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asymmetric cryptography, also known as public-key cryptography, is a method used in computers and technology for secure communication, where keys work in a pair – one for encryption and the other for decryption. Unlike symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encrypting and decrypting data, in asymmetric encryption a key pair is used, comprising of a public key and a private key.
The public key is available to everyone and can be used to encrypt messages. However, the corresponding private key, which is kept secret, is the only one that can decrypt those messages. This ensures that even if the public key is widely distributed, only the intended recipient with the private key can read the contents of the message.
Asymmetric cryptographic systems are widely used for securing sensitive transactions online, including tasks like sending encrypted emails, signing digital documents, and facilitating secure connections through protocols like SSL/TLS.