Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable code so it cannot be accessed or read by any unauthorized person. This unreadable data can again be converted into readable form by a process of decryption. Different types of algorithms are available for encryption and decryption. In this section, we will look at various aspects of public key cryptography.
Let's understand the concepts of symmetric and asymmetric encryption and the difference between the two.
Symmetric encryption versus asymmetric encryption
Encryption can be of two types, that is, symmetric encryption or asymmetric encryption. The following table will help us to understand the difference between the two terms:
Symmetric Encryption | Asymmetric Encryption |
A single key is used to encrypt and decrypt the messages | Two keys are used: one for encryption and another for decryption. |
The Key is said to be symmetric because the encryption key is the same as the decryption key. | Messages... |