What process requires both a public and private key in order to operate securely?

Asymmetric encryption is the process that relies on both a public and a private key to function securely. In this cryptographic method, the public key is used to encrypt data, while the corresponding private key is used for decryption. This two-key system ensures that only the intended recipient, who possesses the private key, can decrypt and access the originally sent information.

The strength of asymmetric encryption lies in its ability to facilitate secure communication without requiring the sender and receiver to share a secret key ahead of time. This eliminates many risks associated with key distribution found in symmetric encryption, where a single key is used for both encryption and decryption, necessitating secure transmission of that key. The unique nature of the public and private keys in asymmetric systems enhances security, as one key cannot easily be derived from the other.

Given these attributes, asymmetric encryption establishes a strong foundation for secure communication, making it essential in various applications, such as SSL/TLS for secure web browsing, digital signatures, and secure email.