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Discuss public key distribution. Describe the various schemes used for public key distribution.

Public key distribution is a crucial aspect of public key cryptography, where individuals share their public keys for secure communication.

Public Announcement:

  • Idea: Users publicly share their public keys.
  • Issue: Anyone can tamper with or forge the key during transmission.

Public Directory:

  • Idea: A dynamic directory managed by a trusted authority stores users’ names and public keys.
  • Process: Users register their public keys with the authority.
  • Advantage: Users can update their keys as needed.
  • Assumption: Everyone knows the public key of the authority, but the authority keeps its private key secret.

Public Key Authority:

  • Enhancement: Addresses the risk of private key theft from the directory authority.
  • Approach: A central authority maintains the dynamic directory.
  • Control: Users only know the public key of the authority; the private key remains secret to the authority.

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