Key Generation Options
Public Key
Private Key
Security Warning
Keep your private key secure and never share it. The public key can be shared freely for encryption and signature verification.
RSA Key Generator: Create Secure RSA Public/Private Key Pairs Online
Generate cryptographically secure RSA key pairs for encryption, digital signatures, and secure communication. Our advanced RSA key generator supports 1024, 2048, and 4096-bit keys with industry-standard formats including PKCS#1, PKCS#8, and PEM encoding. Perfect for developers, security professionals, and system administrators who need reliable public-key cryptography solutions.
Why Use Our RSA Key Generator?
- Multiple Key Sizes: Generate 1024, 2048, and 4096-bit RSA keys based on your security requirements.
- Industry Standards: PKCS#1, PKCS#8, and PEM formats compatible with all major systems and applications.
- Cryptographically Secure: Uses secure random number generation and proper prime number selection.
- Instant Generation: Fast key generation with optimized algorithms for efficient performance.
- Privacy Protection: All key generation happens locally - keys never leave your browser.
- Download Options: Download keys in various formats for immediate use in your applications.
- Key Validation: Built-in validation ensures generated keys meet cryptographic standards.
- Multiple Use Cases: Perfect for SSL/TLS, SSH, digital signatures, and secure communication.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Generated keys work with all operating systems and applications.
How RSA Key Generation Works
- Choose your desired key size (1024, 2048, or 4096 bits).
- Select output format (PKCS#1, PKCS#8, or PEM).
- The generator creates two large prime numbers using secure randomization.
- Mathematical operations create the public and private key components.
- Keys are formatted according to your selected standard.
- Download or copy your newly generated key pair.
- Use the public key for encryption and the private key for decryption.
RSA Key Security Recommendations
Key Size Recommendations: 1024-bit: Legacy systems only (not recommended for new applications) 2048-bit: Standard for most applications (recommended minimum) 4096-bit: High security applications (government, financial) Security Guidelines: - Use 2048-bit minimum for new applications - Consider 4096-bit for long-term security - Store private keys securely and encrypted - Never share private keys - Regularly rotate keys for enhanced security
Key Format Specifications
PKCS#1 Format
Traditional RSA format with RSAPrivateKey and RSAPublicKey structures. Widely supported legacy format.
PKCS#8 Format
Modern standard for private key storage. Supports encryption and is recommended for new applications.
PEM Encoding
Base64-encoded format with headers/footers. Human-readable and widely used in certificates and SSH.
DER Encoding
Binary format for certificates and compact storage. More efficient but less human-readable.
Use Cases & Applications
- SSL/TLS Certificates: Generate keys for website security certificates and HTTPS connections.
- SSH Authentication: Create key pairs for secure shell access and server authentication.
- Digital Signatures: Sign documents, code, and data for authenticity verification.
- API Security: Secure API communications with public-key authentication.
- Email Encryption: Encrypt emails using PGP/GPG with RSA keys.
- Code Signing: Sign software packages and mobile applications for distribution.
- Blockchain Applications: Generate keys for cryptocurrency wallets and smart contracts.
- VPN Configuration: Create keys for VPN servers and client authentication.
- Database Encryption: Secure database connections and encrypted storage.
- IoT Device Security: Secure Internet of Things devices and communications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What RSA key size should I choose?
Use 2048-bit for standard applications, 4096-bit for high security needs. Avoid 1024-bit for new applications due to security concerns.
2. Are the generated RSA keys cryptographically secure?
Yes, our generator uses cryptographically secure random number generation and follows industry standards for prime number selection.
3. Can I use these keys for SSL certificates?
Absolutely! Generated keys are compatible with SSL/TLS certificates and can be used with certificate authorities or self-signed certificates.
4. What's the difference between PKCS#1 and PKCS#8?
PKCS#1 is RSA-specific format, while PKCS#8 is a general private key format that supports multiple algorithms and encryption.
5. Are my generated keys sent to any servers?
No, all key generation happens locally in your browser. Your keys never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.
6. Can I password-protect my private key?
Our generator creates unencrypted keys. You can encrypt the private key afterward using tools like OpenSSL or PGP.
7. How do I use the generated keys for SSH?
Convert the keys to SSH format or use them directly with SSH clients that support PEM format private keys.
8. Can I generate multiple key pairs at once?
Yes, you can generate multiple key pairs by running the generator multiple times. Each generation creates a unique pair.
9. Are 4096-bit keys significantly more secure?
Yes, 4096-bit keys provide much higher security than 2048-bit, but with increased computational overhead for operations.
10. How long do RSA keys remain secure?
2048-bit keys should remain secure until at least 2030. 4096-bit keys provide security for decades into the future.
11. Can I extract the public key from a private key?
Yes, RSA public keys can be derived from private keys. Our tool generates both keys simultaneously for convenience.
12. Are the keys compatible with OpenSSL?
Yes, generated keys are fully compatible with OpenSSL and can be used with openssl commands and applications.
13. Can I use these keys for code signing?
Yes, RSA keys can be used for code signing. You'll need to create a certificate with the public key for distribution.
14. How do I verify the generated keys are valid?
Our tool includes built-in validation. You can also use OpenSSL or other tools to verify key structure and mathematical properties.
15. What browsers support RSA key generation?
All modern browsers support the cryptographic APIs needed. Works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and mobile browsers.
16. Can I use generated keys for email encryption?
Perfect for email encryption! Use with PGP/GPG systems or S/MIME for secure email communication.
17. Is there a limit on how many keys I can generate?
No limits! Generate as many key pairs as needed. Each generation creates a unique, cryptographically independent pair.
18. How should I store the generated private keys?
Store private keys securely, preferably encrypted and in multiple secure locations. Never share private keys publicly.
19. Can I customize the RSA exponent?
Our generator uses the standard exponent (65537) which provides optimal security and performance for most applications.
20. Is this RSA key generator free?
Yes, completely free with no registration, limitations, or subscription required. Generate unlimited RSA key pairs.
Conclusion
Our RSA Key Generator provides professional-grade key pair generation with support for multiple key sizes and industry-standard formats. Whether you need keys for SSL certificates, SSH authentication, digital signatures, or secure communication, our privacy-focused tool ensures your keys are generated securely and remain completely private. Generate your RSA keys with confidence—completely free and secure.