Question

a) Briefly explain symmetric key encryption, its advantages and disadvantages

Answer 1

Solution:

Symmetric key encryption:

Symmetric key encryption is a cryptographic procedure, in which the encryption and decryption of a message is done with the same key. The key used for encryption and decryption is called the private key and only people who are authorized for the encryption / decryption would know it. In a symmetric key encryption, the encrypted message is sent over without any public keys attached to it.

Advantages of symmetric key encryption:

• Very fast encryption and decryption of a message.
• The bigger the code of the key, the greater the safety. When it uses a secure algorithm, symmetric key encryption can be extremely secure.

Disadvantages of symmetric key encryption:

• Exchange of the key: It must be ensured that the key to encryption, will be exchanged via a secure channel (e.g. in person). However, in practice this can be really difficult.
• The number of the keys that are required: For each pair of participants that wish to exchange encrypted messages, a new key is required.

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