Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption in Cybersecurity

Symmetric encryption uses a single key to both encrypt and decrypt the data. It is fast and efficient for large volumes of data. Examples of when symmetric encryption is used in cybersecurity include securing data during transmission over a secure connection like SSL/TLS and encrypting stored data on a device.

Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys, a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. It is slower but provides a higher level of security. Examples of when asymmetric encryption is used in cybersecurity include secure email communication, digital signatures, and secure web browsing.

Both symmetric and asymmetric encryption are essential tools in cybersecurity, each with its unique strengths and use cases depending on the specific security requirements of a system or application.