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Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption | PDF | Public Key Cryptography | Encryption
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Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption

Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption, making it faster but requiring secure key sharing, while asymmetric encryption employs a pair of keys (public and private) for secure communication, allowing for open distribution of the public key. Symmetric encryption is suitable for large datasets, whereas asymmetric encryption is ideal for secure communication over untrusted networks. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, impacting their use cases and efficiency.

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13 views2 pages

Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption

Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption, making it faster but requiring secure key sharing, while asymmetric encryption employs a pair of keys (public and private) for secure communication, allowing for open distribution of the public key. Symmetric encryption is suitable for large datasets, whereas asymmetric encryption is ideal for secure communication over untrusted networks. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, impacting their use cases and efficiency.

Uploaded by

maromomani
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Difference between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption

Symmetric and asymmetric encryption are two key methods used to


secure data, but they differ in how they use keys and their specific
applications.
Key Differences:
Feature Symmetric Encryption Asymmetric Encryption
Key Usage A single key is used for Two keys are used: a public
both encryption and key for encryption and a
decryption. private key for decryption.

Speed Faster, as it uses simpler Slower, due to the


algorithms. complexity of key pair
operations.
Security Requires secure key Public key can be shared
sharing (vulnerable to openly, making it more
interception). secure for communication.

Key Management Requires a shared secret No need to share the


key between parties. private key; only the public
key is distributed.
Use Cases - Secure communication
- Encrypting large datasets (e.g., SSL/TLS).
(e.g., file storage). - Key exchange for
- Local encryption tasks. symmetric encryption.
- Digital signatures.

Example Algorithms - RSA (Rivest-Shamir-


- AES (Advanced Adleman).
Encryption Standard). - ECC (Elliptic Curve
- DES (Data Encryption Cryptography).
Standard). - DSA (Digital Signature
- RC4. Algorithm).
Detailed Explanation:
1. Symmetric Encryption
 How It Works:
A single shared key is used to encrypt and decrypt data.
o The same key must be known by both sender and receiver.
o Example: Encrypting a file on your local machine and decrypting
it later.
 Advantages:
o Simple and fast.
o Suitable for encrypting large amounts of data.
 Disadvantages:
o Key distribution is a challenge—if the key is intercepted, security
is compromised.

2. Asymmetric Encryption
 How It Works:
Uses a pair of keys:
o Public Key: Used to encrypt data.
o Private Key: Used to decrypt data.
Only the private key holder can decrypt the data encrypted with
the public key.
 Advantages:
o Secure key sharing: The public key can be distributed openly.
o Ideal for secure communication over untrusted networks.
 Disadvantages:
o Slower than symmetric encryption.
o Requires more computational resources.

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