Last Updated : 09 Sep, 2024
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Encryption is one of the most basic concepts in the world of cybersecurity as it ensures that some information does not fall into the wrong hands. There are two primary types of encryption techniques: In encryption techniques, there are two types, namely symmetric key encryption and asymmetric key encryption. Anyone involved in data security must know the differences between these two methods.
What is Symmetric Key Encryption?
Encryption is a process to change the form of any message to protect it from reading by anyone. In Symmetric-key encryption the message is encrypted by using a key and the same key is used to decrypt the message which makes it easy to use but less secure. It also requires a safe method to transfer the key from one party to another.
What is Asymmetric Key Encryption?
Asymmetric key encryption is one of the most common cryptographic methods that involve using a single key and its pendent, where one key is used to encrypt data and the second one is used to decrypt an encrypted text. The second key is kept highly secret, while the first one which is called a public key can be freely distributed among the service’s users.
Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Key Encryption
| Symmetric Key Encryption | Asymmetric Key Encryption |
|---|---|
| It only requires a single key for both encryption and decryption. | It requires two keys, a public key and a private key, one to encrypt and the other to decrypt. |
| The size of ciphertext is the same or smaller than the original plaintext. | The size of ciphertext is the same or larger than the original plaintext. |
| The encryption process is very fast. | The encryption process is slow. |
| It is used when a large amount of data needs to be transferred. | It is used to transfer small amount of data. |
| It only provides confidentiality. | It provides confidentiality, authenticity, and non-repudiation. |
| The length of key used is 128 or 256 bits | The length of key used is 2048 or higher |
| In symmetric key encryption, resource utilization is low compared to asymmetric key encryption. | In asymmetric key encryption, resource utilization is high. |
| It is efficient as it is used for handling large amount of data. | It is comparatively less efficient as it can handle a small amount of data. |
| Security is lower as only one key is used for both encryption and decryption purposes. | Security is higher as two keys are used, one for encryption and the other for decryption. |
The Mathematical Representation is as follows- where K –> encryption and decryption key | The Mathematical Representation is as follows- Kd –> decryption key |
| Examples: 3DES, AES, DES and RC4 | Examples: Diffie-Hellman, ECC, El Gamal, DSA and RSA |
Conclusion
Just like any other cryptographic techniques, both symmetric and asymmetric key encryption have certain benefits and applications. For the large data sets, symmetric encryption is preferred as it is faster, while asymmetric encryption is preferred for the key exchanges and the small data sets due to increase security. In many systems, both types of testing are practiced in order to reap the benefits of each of the testing methods.
Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Key Encryption -FAQs
Which is more secure: symmetric or asymmetric key encryption?
It is also seen that asymmetric key encryption is relatively more secure since it uses public and private keys. But the symmetric key encryption is more suitable for large data set and requires less time for computation.
Are symmetric and asymmetric encryption interchangeable?
Indeed, they are frequently employed in tandem, in a process called hybrid encryption. Data encryption is done through symmetric key encryption while exchanging the symmetric key is done through asymmetric key encryption.
Asymmetric encryption is slower than symmetric encryption, why is this the case?
Asymmetric encryption, as will be discussed in following sections, requires more computation, and therefore is slower than symmetric encryption which requires simpler computation.
What are the typical application of symmetric and asymmetric encryption?
The symmetric encryption is generally used in the encryption of files, databases, and channels of communication. It is employed in the secure exchange of keys as well as for generation of digital signatures and SSL/TLS certificates.
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