RSA is a common abbreviation used in the context of cybersecurity and encryption. But what does RSA stand for and how does it work?

Let’s explore the full form of RSA, its applications, and how the RSA algorithm functions.

Full Form of RSA

RSA stands for Rivest–Shamir–Adleman. It is named after its co-inventors:

• Ron Rivest
• Adi Shamir
• Leonard Adleman

They publicly described the RSA algorithm in 1977, making it one of the first public-key cryptosystems.

What is the RSA Algorithm?

RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm based on the mathematical properties of prime number factorisation. It is used to securely transmit messages over the internet.

Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

• Two large prime numbers are multiplied to get the RSA modulus (n).
• A public and private key are derived from n.
• The public key is used to encrypt the message.
• The private key decrypts the cipher text to the original message.

Applications of RSA Encryption

Some common applications of RSA encryption include:

• Secure transmission of data like credit card info.
• Digital signatures to verify authenticity.
• Key exchange to establish secure communication.
• User authentication by services like banks.

RSA is still considered one of the most secure public-key encryption methods. It provides the cryptographic foundation for data security in many systems.

In summary, RSA stands for the surnames of its co-inventors – Rivest, Shamir and Adleman. It is a widely used encryption algorithm based on prime numbers. RSA offers key security services like confidentiality, authentication and integrity for secure communication.