Which description applies to asymmetric key encryption?

Which description applies to asymmetric key encryption?

• A. Uses different keys for encryption and decryption
• B. Same key for encryption and decryption
• C. Two keys for encryption only
• D. Only used in email

Answer: (A)

Asymmetric key encryption relies on a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. One key is used to encrypt, the other to decrypt, and they are not the same key. The public key can be shared with anyone to encrypt a message, but only the holder of the private key can decrypt it. This separation also enables digital signatures: a message signed with the private key can be verified with the corresponding public key. This differs from symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. The idea that two keys are used for encryption only isn’t accurate for the usual definition of asymmetric encryption, and saying it’s only used in email isn’t true—the technology underpins protocols like TLS/SSL, SSH, and more.

Asymmetric key encryption relies on a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. One key is used to encrypt, the other to decrypt, and they are not the same key. The public key can be shared with anyone to encrypt a message, but only the holder of the private key can decrypt it. This separation also enables digital signatures: a message signed with the private key can be verified with the corresponding public key.

This differs from symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. The idea that two keys are used for encryption only isn’t accurate for the usual definition of asymmetric encryption, and saying it’s only used in email isn’t true—the technology underpins protocols like TLS/SSL, SSH, and more.