RSA Encryption

What Is RSA Encryption?

RSA encryption is a public key cryptographic algorithm used to secure data transmission and verify digital identities using two mathematically linked keys. A public key is shared openly and is used for encryption or signature verification, while a private key is kept confidential and is used for decryption or digital signing.

The model is often explained as a transparent lock and a personal key. Anyone can place data inside the lock using the public key, but only the holder of the private key can open it. This mechanism allows secure communication between unknown parties and forms a foundational layer of modern internet security, including HTTPS, digital certificates, and enterprise authentication systems.

RSA was first publicly described in 1977 by Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman, and despite newer cryptographic schemes, it remains widely deployed in traditional infrastructure as of 2025.

Why Is RSA Encryption Important for Web3 and the Internet?

RSA encryption plays a critical supporting role in Web3 and traditional internet infrastructure. While it is not used to generate on-chain transaction signatures, it is essential for securing identity verification, login flows, API authentication, and encrypted communication channels between users and platforms.

When users access trading platforms through a web browser, HTTPS relies on RSA signed certificates to authenticate the website’s identity. This prevents man in the middle attacks and ensures that login credentials, two factor authentication codes, and API keys cannot be intercepted during transmission.

On Gate’s website and API endpoints, Transport Layer Security uses digital certificates to verify server authenticity. After identity verification, symmetric encryption algorithms are used for high speed data transfer.

As of 2025, RSA key sizes of 2048 bits remain acceptable for general use, while 3072 bits or higher are recommended for high assurance environments. These thresholds align with current NIST cryptographic strength guidance.

How Does RSA Encryption Work?

RSA security is based on the computational difficulty of factoring a very large composite number into its original prime factors. While multiplying two large primes is easy, reversing the process is computationally infeasible with classical computers when key sizes are sufficiently large.

The core process includes the following steps.

• Selecting two large prime numbers and multiplying them to form the modulus used in both keys.
• Generating a public and private key pair using mathematically linked parameters derived from those primes.

RSA supports two distinct cryptographic functions.

• Encryption, where plaintext is converted into ciphertext using the public key, ensuring that only the private key holder can decrypt it.
• Digital signing, where the private key is used to produce a verifiable signature that proves message authenticity and integrity.

Encryption is typically used for protecting credentials and secrets in transit, while signing is used for identity verification and trust establishment.

How Does RSA Encryption Protect Data in HTTPS and Gate Login?

Within HTTPS, RSA encryption is primarily responsible for identity verification and certificate trust. It is not used to encrypt bulk data directly.

Step 1. When a browser connects to Gate, it validates the server’s certificate chain and domain name using trusted root certificate authorities. Certificate signatures are commonly protected by RSA or elliptic curve algorithms.

Step 2. The browser and server establish a shared session key. In TLS 1.3, this process typically uses elliptic curve Diffie Hellman ephemeral key exchange rather than RSA key transport.

Step 3. Once the secure session is established, symmetric encryption protects all transmitted data, including passwords, verification codes, and API credentials.

This design separates identity assurance from data confidentiality. RSA establishes trust, while symmetric encryption ensures efficient and secure data transmission.

How Are RSA Keys Generated and Used?

RSA keys are generated using cryptographically secure random number generators and standardized algorithms.

Step 1. Generate a private key, which must be stored securely and never shared.

Step 2. Derive the corresponding public key, which can be distributed freely.

Step 3. Apply secure padding schemes. Modern implementations use OAEP for encryption and PSS for signatures to prevent structural attacks.

Step 4. Use the key pair for encryption, decryption, signing, or verification as required.

Common command line tools such as OpenSSL are frequently used for key management in infrastructure environments.

• Generate private key. openssl genpkey -algorithm RSA -pkeyopt rsa_keygen_bits:3072
• Export public key. openssl pkey -in private.pem -pubout -out public.pem
• Encrypt with OAEP. openssl pkeyutl -encrypt -inkey public.pem -pubin -in msg.bin -out msg.enc -pkeyopt rsa_padding_mode:oaep
• Decrypt. openssl pkeyutl -decrypt -inkey private.pem -in msg.enc -out msg.dec -pkeyopt rsa_padding_mode:oaep

How Does RSA Encryption Differ From Elliptic Curve Cryptography?

RSA and elliptic curve cryptography are both asymmetric systems, but they differ significantly in efficiency and deployment.

As of 2025, Bitcoin uses ECDSA, Ethereum uses ECDSA, and Solana uses Ed25519 for on-chain operations. RSA remains dominant in traditional certificate based infrastructure.

What Risks Should You Be Aware of When Using RSA Encryption?

RSA security depends heavily on correct implementation and operational discipline.

• Key length. Use at least 2048 bits, with 3072 bits recommended for long term security.
• Randomness. Weak entropy during key generation can completely compromise security.
• Padding schemes. Raw RSA must never be used. OAEP and PSS are mandatory in modern systems.
• Private key storage. Keys should be stored in hardware security modules or encrypted storage with strict access control.
• Quantum computing risk. Large scale quantum computers could theoretically break RSA using Shor’s algorithm, but no such systems exist today. Post quantum migration planning is a long term consideration.

Key Takeaways on RSA Encryption

RSA encryption enables secure identity verification and trusted key exchange by separating public disclosure from private control. It is foundational to HTTPS, API security, and certificate based authentication across Web2 and Web3 platforms. While on-chain cryptography favors elliptic curve algorithms, RSA remains indispensable for infrastructure security, including systems used by Gate.

Proper key management, sufficient key length, secure padding, and disciplined operational practices are essential for maintaining RSA security.

FAQ

What Is RSA Encryption And Why Is It Used in Cryptocurrency?

RSA encryption is an asymmetric cryptographic system used primarily for secure communication and identity verification. In cryptocurrency ecosystems, RSA is not used to sign blockchain transactions, but it is used in web infrastructure, exchange logins, API authentication, and certificate security surrounding crypto platforms.

What’s the Difference Between Public Key And Private Key? How Should I Store Them?

The public key can be shared freely and is used for encryption or verification. The private key must remain secret and is used for decryption or signing. Private keys should be stored offline or in secure hardware such as a hardware wallet or a paper wallet.

Are Wallets Encrypted With RSA Secure? Can They Be Cracked?

Blockchain wallets do not use RSA for transaction signing. RSA based systems are mathematically secure when implemented correctly. Security failures typically result from phishing, malware, or poor key handling rather than cryptographic weaknesses.

How Is RSA Encryption Different From Elliptic Curve Cryptography in Blockchain?

RSA relies on integer factorization, while elliptic curve cryptography relies on discrete logarithm problems. Elliptic curve systems offer equivalent security with much smaller keys, making them more efficient for blockchain transactions.

How Does Gate Use RSA Encryption To Protect My Account During Trading?

Gate uses RSA based certificates to authenticate secure connections and protect login channels. Combined with TLS encryption, two factor authentication, and anti phishing measures, this prevents credential interception and unauthorized account access during trading activities.