Asymmetric Key Algorithms
Previously you learned about asymmetric key algorithms and you should understand that asymmetric encryption requires two keys: public and private. As a review, using the flashcards define asymmetric key encryption, public key, private key, and digital certificate. Then read the section on asymmetric encryption.
In addition to verifying identities, the CA also creates the digital certificate. Once the digital certificate is issued, the CA then gives that user a public key, and separately stores the privet key if it's required. A CA should also contain a certification practice statement (CPS) which gives guidelines on how to verify identities.
The components of a Certificate Authority include: software, hardware, providers, human validation system, and policies as illustrated in Figure 6.
