What is asymmetric cryptography and how do I use it?  This is
part of a weekly series on the Clef blog: What is That: 5-Minute
Blogs on Understanding and Using Security Concepts. For more
posts, go here.  One of the security terms we commonly use when
talking about Clef is asymmetric cryptography. For users well
versed in technology and security, the term often leads to an
instant understanding of how Clef works. Most of time, however,
we’re met with blank stares and confusion.  Today, we’ll take a
quick dive into what asymmetric cryptography is and how you can
use it every day.  Sending secret messages  Imagine you have a
secret message that you want to tell a friend on the other side
of the country. How would you get the message to them securely?
Here is one possible solution.  First, mail your friend an
encryption key. Consider this encryption key as a way that you
will make the message you send unreadable to anyone who doesn’t
have the encryption key. Next, in another letter, encrypt your
message with th