What type of encryption uses a single key for both the sender and recipient?

What type of encryption uses a single key for both the sender and recipient?

• A. Public-key encryption
• B. Hashing
• C. Symmetric/private-key encryption
• D. Asymmetric encryption

Answer: (C)

Symmetric/private-key encryption utilizes a single key for both the sender and recipient, making it essential that both parties securely share and protect this key. This method contrasts with asymmetric encryption, which employs a pair of keys—one public and one private. In symmetric encryption, the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data, which can result in faster processing times for large volumes of data compared to asymmetric methods. It is vital in various applications where speed and efficiency are paramount, such as in encrypting files or communication channels. In public-key encryption, two different keys are employed, making it not suitable for this scenario. Hashing, on the other hand, is primarily a data integrity mechanism that transforms data into a fixed-size string of characters, which isn’t reversible or used for encryption in the traditional sense. Understanding the characteristics and applications of these different encryption methods is crucial for managing data security effectively.

Symmetric/private-key encryption utilizes a single key for both the sender and recipient, making it essential that both parties securely share and protect this key. This method contrasts with asymmetric encryption, which employs a pair of keys—one public and one private. In symmetric encryption, the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data, which can result in faster processing times for large volumes of data compared to asymmetric methods. It is vital in various applications where speed and efficiency are paramount, such as in encrypting files or communication channels.

In public-key encryption, two different keys are employed, making it not suitable for this scenario. Hashing, on the other hand, is primarily a data integrity mechanism that transforms data into a fixed-size string of characters, which isn’t reversible or used for encryption in the traditional sense. Understanding the characteristics and applications of these different encryption methods is crucial for managing data security effectively.