Public key algorithms are also called what?

Public key algorithms are referred to as asymmetric cryptography because they utilize a key pair for encryption and decryption: one key is public and can be shared with anyone, while the other is private and kept secret. This dual-key approach contrasts with symmetric cryptography, where a single key is used for both encrypting and decrypting data, making it easier for someone to access the encrypted information if they obtain that key.

Asymmetric cryptography is foundational to secure communications and data transmission over the internet, enabling processes such as digital signatures and secure key exchanges. Examples of public key algorithms include RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), which leverage this dual-key mechanism to provide enhanced security over symmetric methods.

Thus, the correct identification of public key algorithms as asymmetric cryptography accurately reflects their unique operational characteristics and applications in modern security practices.