Symmetric & Asymmetric Encryption
Cards (6)
- What is Encryption? #1
- Encryption is crucial for converting readable data into an unreadable format
- Its primary aim is to secure data from unauthorised access, making it a highly important technique for defending against cyber-attacks and data breaches
- Encryption methods use 'keys', which are specialised programs designed to scramble or unscramble data
- Selecting a type of encryption isn't a daily choice for most people
- Encryption #2
- Modern devices and technologies, e.g. web browsers (HTTPS protocol), provide a basic level of encryption by default
- Most people transfer sensitive data without thinking about it because of developments in technology
- How does Symmetric Encryption work?
- The sender uses a key to encrypt the data before transmission
- The receiver uses the same key to decrypt the data
- It's usually faster, making it ideal for encrypting large amounts of data
- The significant downside is the challenge of securely sharing this key between the sender and receiver
- If a bad actor captures the key, they can decrypt all messages intercepted in transmission
- How does Asymmetric Encryption work?
- Asymmetric encryption uses two keys:
- a public key for encryption
- and a private key for decryption
- Receivers openly share their public key
- Senders use this public key to encrypt the data
- The receiver's private key is the only key that can decrypt the data and is kept locally on their side
- The public and private keys are created at the same time and are designed to work together in this way
- It is typically slower than symmetric encryption
- It is generally used for more secure and smaller data transactions, e.g. passwords, bank details
- Asymetric encryption
- Choosing an Encryption type
- Symmetric encryption is fast but has key-sharing issues; asymmetric is slower but solves these issues.
- The choice should be made based on the situation's needs: whether speed or security is more critical.