16.4.1. Observation of Tahir Elgamal

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the purpose of a public key?

   Hint

   Think about the functions of the keys in public key cryptography.

2. 2.

   Why can't the discrete logarithm problem be solved easily?

   Hint

   Consider why some mathematical problems are hard to compute.

3. 3.

   What does the public key in public key cryptography do?

   • Encrypts messages
   • Decrypts messages
   • Generates private keys

   Hint

   Remember the role of each key.

4. 4.

   True or False: The private key is shared with everyone.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how information is protected in cryptography.

5. 5.

   Design a simplified public key system using the concepts from ElGamal's encryption that outlines how keys are generated, shared, and used.

   Hint

   Think about how each component interacts within the system.

6. 6.

   Discuss the implications of the discrete logarithm problem in the security of the ElGamal encryption scheme and compare it to other cryptographic systems.

   Hint

   Reflect on how varying mathematical challenges offer different levels of security.