A Private Key is a cryptographic key that must be kept confidential and is used to enable the operation of an asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm. This is the secret part of an asymmetric key pair that is uniquely associated with an entity.
Related Terms: Encryption, Private Key, Public Key, Public Key Cryptography (Asymmetric Encryption, Public Key Infrastructure
Source: CNSSI 4009, NIST SP 800-63 Rev 1, FIPS 201-2, FIPS 140-2, Federal Bridge Certificate Authority Certification Policy 2.25
