Asymmetric Encryption

is a cryptographic technique that allows two parties to communicate securely without sharing a secret key.

it uses a pair of keys: a public and a private key.
the public key is distributed to anyone to encrypt data.
the private key is the only one used to decrypt, by the owner.
the private key can be used to sign data, and the public can verify the signature.
used in blockchain, emails, digital signatures, and authentication
It uses trapdoor functions (easy to compute in one direction, difficult in the opposite).
pros: authentication, non-repudiation, detection of tampering
cons: slow, risk of losing the private key, public keys are not authenticated.