As technology continues to improve, there are other places where public key cryptography is being used, besides the internet. For example, electronic passports are starting to replace traditional passports. Electronic passports have a chip embedded into the passport to protect a person’s data, like their fingerprint, which contains that person’s private key. This chip also works to prevent passport counterfeiting, as duplicating a private key is virtually impossible.
How Does Public Key Cryptography Work on Electronic Passports?
Public key cryptography works on electronic passports because of the embedded computer chip. When the passport is scanned at border locations, the private key on the chip is compared to a public key, which the border locations can obtain. Once the two keys are authenticated and verified, it is used to prove the identity of the person and allow them entry into the country.