Which type of cryptographic key is intended to be shared publicly?The symmetric keyThe private keyThe public keyThe secret key

Understanding Cryptographic Keys

1. Types of Keys: In cryptography, there are different types of keys used for encryption and decryption. The most common are symmetric keys and asymmetric keys (which involve both public and private keys).

2. Key Definitions:

   • Symmetric Key: A single key that is used for both encryption and decryption. This key must be kept secret and shared only between the communicating parties.
   • Private Key: Part of asymmetric cryptography, it is kept secret by the owner and is used to decrypt messages that have been encrypted with the corresponding public key.
   • Public Key: Also part of asymmetric cryptography, this key is intended to be shared publicly. It is used to encrypt messages that can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key.
   • Secret Key: Often refers to a symmetric key, which cannot be shared publicly.

3. Conclusion: The key intended to be shared publicly is the public key.

Final Answer

The correct answer is The public key.