b1f97080-253d-4b24-b677-d07e6d7ee5a2
prompter
Describe the RSA algorithm in ELI5 format.
bca01c17-562c-47bd-8a90-6b295c43e656
b1f97080-253d-4b24-b677-d07e6d7ee5a2
assistant
RSA is an algorithm used for secure data transmission. It works by using two keys - a public key and a private key.

Think of it like a lock and key. The public key is like a lock that you can give to anyone to lock a message and send it to you. Only you have the matching private key (the key) to unlock and read the message.

When someone wants to send you a secure message, they use your public key to lock the message. Only you, with your private key, can unlock and read it. This way, even if someone intercepts the locked message, they can't read it without the private key.

The algorithm is named after its inventors, Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman.
069bc63b-6c4d-4904-80e4-680770d5997c
bca01c17-562c-47bd-8a90-6b295c43e656
prompter
What are the applications of the RSA algorithm?