Asymmetric encryption

Cryptography is defined as the art or science of writing secrets using techniques such as encryption. Encryption is the process of converting data into unreadable code so that it cannot be accessed or read by unauthorized people. This unreadable data can be converted into a readable form via decryption. Different types of algorithms are available for encryption and decryption.

Symmetric encryption vis a vis asymmetric encryption

There are two types of encryption: symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. The following table shows the difference between the two terms:

Table 9.8 – Differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption

Now, let's discuss the different types of encryption keys.

Encryption keys

In an asymmetric environment, a total of four keys are available with different functions. The following table indicates who possesses the different keys:

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