Question

Above all else, what must be protected to maintain the security and benefit of an asymmetric cryptographic solution, especially if it is widely used for digital certificates?

a) Cryptographic algorithm
b) Public keys
c) Private keys
d) Hash values

Answer 1

To maintain the security and benefit of an asymmetric cryptographic solution, especially if it is widely used for digital certificates, private keys must be protected above all else.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an asymmetric cryptographic solution, especially if it is widely used for digital certificates, private keys must be protected above all else to maintain security and benefit.

Private keys are used to decrypt messages that have been encrypted with the corresponding public keys. If private keys fall into the wrong hands, an attacker would be able to decrypt sensitive information, compromising the security of the system.

The other options, such as cryptographic algorithms and hash values, are also important components of the solution, but protecting the private keys is crucial as they are the key to ensuring the security and integrity of the asymmetric encryption system.