THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING
Enterprise Security Magazine | Monday, January 17, 2022
There are two forms of encryption, symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. These names represent whether or not the same key can be used for encryption and decryption.
Fremont, CA: Encryption is the procedure of encoding data to conceal it or make it unavailable to unauthorized users. It helps protect private information and sensitive data and the security of communication between client apps and servers. In essence, if the data is encrypted, an unauthorized person or entity will not be able to read it.
The procedure itself is quite simple. An encryption key employs an encryption algorithm to convert plaintext or readable data into unreadable data or ciphertext. Only the correct decryption key can decode the jumbled ciphertext and return it to readable plaintext. The method of encryption and the type of encryption employed become substantially more complicated.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
Encryption algorithms are classified into two types: symmetric and asymmetric.
Symmetric encryption
As both the encryption and decryption keys are the same in a symmetric technique, the same key must be used to ensure safe communication. Symmetric algorithm encryptions are widely used for bulk data encryption since they are fast and simple to implement in hardware. The disadvantage is that anyone who has access to that decryption key can decode your data, even if it was not meant for them.
Asymmetric encryption
Two independent yet mathematically connected encryption keys are utilized in asymmetric algorithm encryption. A public key is used to encrypt data and can be shared, but a private key is used to decrypt data and must be kept secret. Asymmetric encryption eliminates the need for a preliminary exchange of secret keys by utilizing a private key, allowing public keys to be shared with anyone, and providing an underlying architecture for digital signatures, digital certificates, and a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The drawbacks are that it is slower than symmetric algorithm encryption and requires more computational power.
More in News