Objective: Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to explain the basic functions of public and private keys in secure internet communication.

Student Instructions:

1. Read Chapter 14 of the William Stallings textbook. (Cryptography and Network Security Principles and Practice Fifth Edition William Stallings)

2. Answer the following review questions regarding public and private keys.

a. Where is your public key stored on your computer?

b. Where is your private key stored on your computer?

c. How is it possible for someone to find out your private key?

d. If someone steals your laptop can they find out your private key?

e. Why do you exchange certificates when setting up secure communication?

f. In what ways is the PKI similar or different from the infrastructure for distributing:

i. electricity

ii. water

iii. gasoline

g. In what ways is a CA similar to the department of transportation (DTOP) for:

i. issuing a driver's license

ii. revoking a driver's license