West Virginia MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

What key pair does CSOS use to encrypt and decrypt data?

1. Public key encrypts data, private key decrypts data

2. Private key encrypts data, private key decrypts data

3. Symmetric keys encrypt and decrypt data

4. Public key decrypts data, private key encrypts data

The correct answer is: Public key encrypts data, private key decrypts data

The correct answer pertains to the operation of public key cryptography within the Controlled Substance Ordering System (CSOS). In this system, a public key is utilized to encrypt data, which ensures that sensitive information, such as controlled substance orders, is secure during transmission. The corresponding private key is then employed to decrypt this data. This asymmetric encryption method facilitates secure communication; while anyone can encrypt data using the public key, only the holder of the private key can decrypt it, thereby maintaining confidentiality and security. This process is fundamental in protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, ensuring that only those authorized to access the private key can read the encrypted data. Therefore, the essential nature of the key pair—where the public key is responsible for the encryption and the private key for the decryption—is critical for the secure functioning of the CSOS.