Definition

Identity-based encryption (IBE) is a security technique that encrypts messages with a user’s unique identity (such as username or email) rather than a public key. It is commonly used in access control systems, secure email communication, and messaging.

How Identity-based Encryption Works

  1. Usually, a trusted authority known as Private Key Generator (PKG) handles all keys.
  2. The users provide their identity information (like username or email) to the PKG.
  3. The PKG generates a unique key for each user using their identity and a master key. This private key is used for decryption.
  4. Senders encrypt messages with the recipient’s identity as the key.
  5. After receiving the message, the recipient requests the private key from the PKG to decrypt the message.