Answer to Question #296116 in Computer Networks for kitty ku

Question

Describe the differences between a symmetric key encryption system and a public key encryption system. Name one algorithm or application for each system. (10 marks)

Answer 1

A symmetric key encryption system uses one key to encrypt and decrypt a message while public key uses one key to encrypt and a different key to decrypt.

E.g. symmetric is the AES (advanced encryption standard) which is used to encrypt data in wireless security.

Assymetric example is the RSA algorithm which is used in communication to provide end to end encryption like in WhatsApp also in SSH to provide secure remote-login protocol.