IT Security Interview Question: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption

Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys - one for encryption and another for decryption.

When to use Symmetric Encryption:

• For secure communication between two parties who already have a shared secret key.
• For encrypting large amounts of data due to its efficiency and speed.
• When confidentiality is the main concern and the key can be securely exchanged.

When to use Asymmetric Encryption:

• For secure communication between two parties who have not shared a secret key before.
• For digital signatures and verifying the authenticity of a message or sender.
• When key exchange is difficult or not possible in advance.

It is important to choose the right encryption method based on the specific security requirements of the communication or data protection needs.