What is the public key used for on your CAC?

The public key on a Common Access Card (CAC) is used to facilitate secure communications and authentication. It allows users to encrypt data that can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key, ensuring confidentiality. Additionally, the public key is utilized for digital signatures, verifying the authenticity of the sender and the integrity of the data. This cryptographic mechanism is essential for secure transactions and access to sensitive information within military and government networks.