Fill in the blank: Security Keys utilize a secure challenge-and-response authentication system, which is based on _____.

Final Answer

Security Keys utilize a secure challenge-and-response authentication system, which is based on public key cryptography.

Explanation

Public key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography, involves a pair of keys: a public key, which can be shared with anyone, and a private key, which is kept secret by the owner. In the context of security keys, this system allows for a secure exchange of information through a challenge-and-response mechanism. When a device requests authentication, it presents a challenge that the security key must respond to using the private key. The security key generates a signed response based on the challenge and the private key, which can be verified by the device using the corresponding public key. This method enhances security by ensuring that only devices with the correct private key can respond to the challenge, thus preventing unauthorized access.