Public Key Encryption Glossary Definition

Public Key Encryption is also known as asymmetric cryptography. Public key encryption is a cryptographic system that uses two keys, a public key known to everyone and a private or secret key known only to the recipient of the message.

In security and compliance work, this term helps teams describe controls, risks, identity practices, standards, audits, or protective technologies. It is relevant when managing access, reducing exposure, documenting safeguards, or demonstrating accountability.