Type of Encryption

There are two types of encryptions in widespread use today: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. The name derives from whether or not the same key is used for encryption and decryption.

Symmetric encryption

In symmetric encryption the same key is used for encryption and decryption. It is therefore critical that a secure method is considered to transfer the key between sender and recipient

Symmetric encryption – Using the same key for encryption and decryption


Asymmetric encryption

Asymmetric encryption uses the notion of a key pair: a different key is used for the encryption and decryption process. One of the keys is typically known as the private key and the other is known as the public key.

The private key is kept secret by the owner and the public key is either shared amongst authorized recipients or made available to the public at large. Data encrypted with the recipient’s public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key. Data can therefore be transferred without the risk of unauthorized or unlawful access to the data.


Asymmetric encryption – Using a different key for the encryption and decryption process


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