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Symmetric & Asymmetric Encryption

Symmetric

  • In symmetric encryption, a single key is used for both the encryption and decryption of the data. This means that the same key is shared between the communicating parties.
  • The main advantage of symmetric encryption is its speed and efficiency. It is generally faster than asymmetric encryption.
  • However, the challenge lies in securely distributing and managing the shared key, especially when parties are not physically close.
  • Common symmetric encryption algorithms include Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Data Encryption Standard (DES).

Asymmetric

  • Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is shared openly, while the private key is kept secret.
  • Any data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key, and vice versa.
  • Asymmetric encryption is more secure in terms of key distribution, as the private key remains secret and does not need to be shared.
  • It is computationally more expensive than symmetric encryption, making it less efficient for large volumes of data.
  • Common asymmetric encryption algorithms include RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography).