Public Key

A public key is part of a security protocol meant to keep data safe, and to prevent hackers from getting into your computer programs.

We know what you're thinking: having something public seems like a pretty lousy security provision. Like, is that any better than how you have all your passwords written on Post-Its stuck to your computer monitor?

No, but there's another part to it. The public key isn't enough. It's paired with a private key.

The public key is a series of random numbers (essentially a password) known to everyone in a group. However, each member also has their own personal private key. You need both to log in, providing an additional level of security.