logo
  • menu
  • Markets
  • ETFs
  • Live
  • Spot
  • Futures
  • Bots
  • Learn
  • Sign In
  • Sign Up
  • Downloads
  • English
  • |
  • USD
  • |
Sign Up
Crypto PricesLearnLatest NewsDownloadsMarketsSpotAnnouncements
Home/
Learn/
Crypto Basics

What Is a Public Key? How Does a Public Key Work?

By Craig Green
Jul 23, 2024
4.7 
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
★
 334 User Rating
Share

 What Is a Public Key? A public key is created in public key encryption cryptography that uses asymmetric-key encryption algorithms. Let's take a closer look.

What Is a Public Key?

A public key is a cryptographic code that allows users to receive cryptocurrencies in their accounts. The public key and the private key are the tools required to ensure the security of the crypto economy.

How Does a Public Key Work?

A cryptographic key is a mathematical algorithm implemented in software or hardware and used to encrypt or decrypt data. It is a string of bits that are combined with the data to create ciphertext. The cryptographic key can also be used to unencrypt data back to plaintext.

The two main types of cryptographic algorithms are symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric key algorithms work by using a single key to encrypt and decrypt information, whereas asymmetric cryptography uses two keys: a public key to encrypt messages and a private key to decode them.

The process for sending and receiving data via asymmetric cryptography typically consists of five steps:

Key generation: Each individual generates a public and private key.

Key exchange: The sender and recipient exchange public keys.

Encryption: The sender's data is encrypted using the recipient's public key.

Sending encrypted data: The encrypted data is sent to the recipient.

Decryption: The recipient decrypts the message using their own private key.

What Is a Public Key? How Does a Public Key Work? - Hopefully, this article can help you to get some knowledge.

Disclaimer: The information on this page may have been obtained from third parties and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of BitKan. This content is provided for general informational purposes only, without any representation or warranty of any kind, nor shall it be construed as financial or investment advice. BitKan shall not be liable for any errors or omissions, or for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Investments in digital assets can be risky. Please carefully evaluate the risks of a product and your risk tolerance based on your own financial circumstances. Products mentioned in this article may not be available in your region.

Related Articles

  • What Is Cross-Chain Interoperability? How Does It Function?

    What Is Cross-Chain Interoperability? How Does It Function?

    Cross-chain interoperability is the technological capability of independent blockchain networks to securely exchange assets, data, and functional instructions without central intermediaries.
    Jerry McNeill
    Jul 8, 2026
  • What Are Keyloggers? How Do They Drain Your Crypto?

    What Are Keyloggers? How Do They Drain Your Crypto?

    A keylogger is a specialized form of spyware designed to systematically record every keystroke pressed on a compromised device.
    Wayne Ingram
    Jul 6, 2026
  • What is Maximal Extractable Value in crypto? How Do We Avoid MEV?

    What is Maximal Extractable Value in crypto? How Do We Avoid MEV?

    Maximal Extractable Value (MEV), formerly known as Miner Extractable Value, is the maximum value that can be extracted from block production by including, excluding, or reordering transactions within a block, in addition to standard block rewards and gas fees.
    Jerry McNeill
    Jul 1, 2026

Latest Articles

Crypto Basics

Tutorials

Currencies

Investing

  • What Is Cross-Chain Interoperability? How Does It Function?

    What Is Cross-Chain Interoperability? How Does It Function?

    Cross-chain interoperability is the technological capability of independent blockchain networks to securely exchange assets, data, and functional instructions without central intermediaries.
    Jerry McNeill
    Jul 8, 2026
  • What Are Keyloggers? How Do They Drain Your Crypto?

    What Are Keyloggers? How Do They Drain Your Crypto?

    A keylogger is a specialized form of spyware designed to systematically record every keystroke pressed on a compromised device.
    Wayne Ingram
    Jul 6, 2026
  • What is Maximal Extractable Value in crypto? How Do We Avoid MEV?

    What is Maximal Extractable Value in crypto? How Do We Avoid MEV?

    Maximal Extractable Value (MEV), formerly known as Miner Extractable Value, is the maximum value that can be extracted from block production by including, excluding, or reordering transactions within a block, in addition to standard block rewards and gas fees.
    Jerry McNeill
    Jul 1, 2026
  • Crypto Trading Bots: What Are They and How Do They Work?

    Crypto Trading Bots: What Are They and How Do They Work?

    A crypto trading bot is a software application designed to automate the process of buying and selling digital assets, acting as an interface between the user and a cryptocurrency exchange.
    Cornell Rachel
    Jun 26, 2026
  • What Are Appchains? How Do Application-Specific Blockchains Work?

    What Are Appchains? How Do Application-Specific Blockchains Work?

    Appchains are blockchains built to support a single application, providing dedicated resources instead of competing for block space with other decentralized applications.
    Jerry McNeill
    Jun 25, 2026
View more data 

Content

BTCBTC(BTC)
$0
--(Last 24h)
SpotFutures

Top

View more
  1. 1How To Sign Up For A BitKan Account (Web)?
  2. 2When Is Bitcoin Halving 2024? What Does Bitcoin Halving Do?
  3. 3What is Etherscan Used For and How to Find Token Decimal on Etherscan
  4. 4What is USDC used for? Why is USDC used?

Top Gainers

View more
Akedo
AkedoAKE

$0.000682

+260.32%
DeFi App
DeFi AppHOME

$0.0178

+30.05%
DeepNode
DeepNodeDN

$0.0789

+23.80%
Warden
WardenWARD

$0.004524

+21.81%
Lorenzo Protocol
Lorenzo ProtocolBANK

$0.0522

+18.91%

Top Trending

View more
Stellar
StellarXLM

$0.1888

+2.33%
Semicon Bull 3X ETF
Semicon Bull 3X ETFSOXL

$164.150

-8.88%
Ordinals
OrdinalsORDI

$3.7000

+6.17%
Bitcoin Cash
Bitcoin CashBCH

$223.400

-5.74%
Akedo
AkedoAKE

$0.000682

+260.32%

Recently added

View more
Robinhood
RobinhoodHOODB

$115.600

-2.28%
Broadcom
BroadcomAVGOB

$395.000

-1.25%
ARM
ARMARMB

$272.430

-4.96%
Applied Optoelectronics
Applied OptoelectronicsAAOIB

$109.050

-13.67%
IBM
IBMIBMB

$212.160

-4.55%

Latest News

View more
  1. 1Bitcoin Jumps to $65K as Softer CPI Data Calms Fed Hike Fears
  2. 2Stablecoin Market Drops $10B, Analysts Downplay Concerns
  3. 3New SEC Crypto Rule to Cut Red Tape for Startup Fundraising
  4. 4White House Admits Federal Bitcoin Fund is Still Delayed
  5. 5USDC Dominates Tether USDT in Stablecoin Volume Race
About Us
  • About BitKan
  • Contact Us
  • Announcements
  • VIP Program
  • BitKan Ambassador
  • Institutional Services
Products
  • Spot
  • Futures
  • Crypto Prices
  • Learn
  • News
  • Markets
  • How to Buy Crypto
  • BTC to USD Calculator
  • Reward
Help
  • Help Center
  • Email Us
  • Live Chat
  • Download APP
  • Listing Application
  • Buy Bitcoin
  • Buy Ethereum
  • Buy Dogecoin
  • Buy Altcoins
Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trading Rules
  • Fee
K-Site
English
About Us
+
  • About BitKan
  • Contact Us
  • Announcements
  • VIP Program
  • BitKan Ambassador
  • Institutional Services
Products
+
  • Spot
  • Futures
  • Crypto Prices
  • Learn
  • News
  • Markets
  • How to Buy Crypto
  • BTC to USD Calculator
  • Reward
Help
+
  • Help Center
  • Email Us
  • Live Chat
  • Download APP
  • Listing Application
  • Buy Bitcoin
  • Buy Ethereum
  • Buy Dogecoin
  • Buy Altcoins
Terms
+
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trading Rules
  • Fee
K-Site
+
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Telegram
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Medium
  • Linkedin
@2012-2026 BITKAN.com