#22unit 1technology solutions
Digital Envelope
Wrapping data with symmetric and public key methods.
Sending a long diplomatic document securely
A diplomatic document is encrypted using a fast symmetric key. The symmetric key itself is encrypted using the recipient's public key, creating the digital envelope. Both are sent. The recipient uses his private key to decrypt the symmetric key, then uses the symmetric key to decrypt the document — fast and secure.
Digital envelopes combine the strengths of symmetric (speed) and public key (secure key exchange) encryption, making them ideal for secure e-commerce and email (e.g., PGP).