What is a private encryption key?

A private encryption key is an extra-layer encryption algorithm used by some online backup services to help further secure your account. With a private encryption key, your backed up files can't be seen by anyone unless they can provide the password that decrypts the key, thus revealing the data. Is Setting a Private Encryption Key a Good Idea?

What is the difference between a public key and a private key?

Public keys and private keys always come in pairs. If the public key is used to encrypt data, only the matching private key can decrypt it. When public key-encrypted data is encrypted again by a private key, that private key encryption is called a digital signature.

Is a private key safe?

1) Yes, if you use standard schemes, the private key should remain safe. 2) The public key is always completely open, you give it to everybody. Knowledge of this public key or things it encrypted should not compromise the private key. Both of these are basic foundations that PKI needs in order to work.

Can a public key be used to encrypt a message?

In some cryptosystems, public keys can also be used for encrypting messages so that they can only be decrypted using the corresponding private key. In public-key cryptosystems, a private key is a key used for digitally signing documents. In some cryptosystems, it can also be used for decrypting data encrypted using a public key.