What Is RSA Encryption?

What Is RSA Encryption?

RSA Definition

Short definition: A well-known encryption, algorithm, also known as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman.

Extended definition:

RSA, also known as Rivest–Shamir–Adleman is an encryption algorithm most commonly used for securing files in Messages. This cipher is also one of the oldest in the modern world right now, first publicly revealed in 1977. It is created, as its name suggests by Ron Rivest, Leonard Adleman and Adi Shamir. Later it has been modernized to be put in use by intelligence agencies by mathematicians, like in the case of Clifford Cocks – an English mathematician.

When we talk about the RSA encryption algorithm and viruses, crypto – malware are the main types of infections that used in order to lock the files of victims. Based on how strong this algorithm is and the encryption mode it uses, it can be very difficult to reverse the encryption process, even by the best experts in the world. This is why, cyber criminals incorporate this algorithm in ransomware viruses, that encrypt your important files and extort you into paying ransom.

Such ransom payments is hundreds of dollars and there is no guarantee you will get a decryption key. This key is created in order to reverse the encryption process and decipher the files, bringing them back into their last known good working state.

For more definitions, check our Cyber Dictionary.