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Key Algorithm

The public key algorithm used in this certificate

Cryptography

The Key Algorithm identifies the type and parameters of the public key contained within the SSL certificate. This field specifies both the cryptographic algorithm family (such as RSA or ECDSA) and key strength parameters like key length or curve type. Common key algorithms include RSA with various key lengths (2048-bit, 3072-bit, 4096-bit), and Elliptic Curve algorithms like ECDSA P-256, ECDSA P-384, and Ed25519. RSA keys are widely supported but require larger key sizes for equivalent security - a 2048-bit RSA key provides similar security to a 256-bit elliptic curve key. ECDSA keys offer advantages in terms of performance, smaller certificate sizes, and lower computational overhead, making them increasingly popular for modern applications. The key algorithm choice affects certificate size, handshake performance, and computational requirements for both servers and clients. This information is crucial for compatibility assessment and security evaluation.

Related SSL Terms

Cipher Suite

The set of cryptographic algorithms used for the connection

Cryptography

OpenSSL

OpenSSL is a free, open-source cryptography toolkit that powers SSL and TLS across most of the internet. It includes a library used by web servers and other software, and a command-line tool developers use to inspect, generate, and verify certificates and keys.

Cryptography

Signature Algorithm

The cryptographic algorithm used to sign this certificate

Cryptography

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