RSA Encryption Algorithm

Understanding the key concepts behind RSA Encryption Algorithm and implementing it from scratch in Python3.

In this medium article we will take a look at the RSA Encryption Algorithm, one of the oldest and most widely adopted encryption algorithm. We will identify the various key concepts behind the algorithm which makes breaking it next to impossible. We will take a look at the major equations in the three components of RSA algorithm. An implementation of RSA is present as well.

What is RSA Algorithm?

RSA is a public-key encryption algorithm. A sender can encrypt the data they want to send over the internet by using the algorithm. On the other hand, once the receiver gets the encrypted data, they can decrypt it successfully.

Since RSA is a public-key algorithm, thus the keys for encryption and decryption are different. The key used for encryption is called the public key and the key used for decryption is called the private key.

Both the keys belong to the receiver. As their names suggest, the public key of the receiver is known to everyone while the private key is kept secret.

So if the sender wants to send a message, they need to get a hold of the receiver’s public key to encrypt the…