Network Security Protocols Questions
The main difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption lies in the way encryption and decryption keys are used.
In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. This means that the sender and receiver must have a shared secret key. The encryption process is fast and efficient, making it suitable for encrypting large amounts of data. However, the challenge lies in securely distributing and managing the shared key.
On the other hand, asymmetric encryption uses a pair of mathematically related keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is used for encryption, while the private key is used for decryption. This allows for secure communication without the need for a shared secret key. Asymmetric encryption is slower and less efficient than symmetric encryption, but it provides better security and key management. It is commonly used for tasks such as secure key exchange, digital signatures, and secure communication over insecure networks.