Re: RSA key length and more

"Pesso" <pesso@no.where> writes:

> Why is a private key longer than a public key?

It isn't, assuming you mean "exponent" where you used the word "key".
Or, to be precise, it need not be shorter. There is absolutely
nothing to stop you having a shorter private exponent than an public
exponent.

> Literatures state that you should use a public key to encrypt and a private
> key to decrypt. Can you switch (that is, use a private key to encrypt and a
> public key to decrypt) and obtain the same result?

Consult your set text for the answer to this one

> And the last question is security implication of distributing a private key.
> Can you keep a public key private and distribute a private key instead
> without compromising the security?

Again, consult your set text for the answer to this one.

Paul

-- 
Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way.
The time is gone, the song is over.
Thought I'd something more to say.