Which encryption method allows the sender and recipient to use different keys?

Which encryption method allows the sender and recipient to use different keys?

• A. Hashing
• B. Symmetric encryption
• C. Asymmetric encryption
• D. Data masking

Answer: (C)

The chosen answer highlights a fundamental characteristic of asymmetric encryption, which is distinct from other methods of encryption. In asymmetric encryption, two different keys are used: a public key and a private key. The public key can be shared openly and is used by the sender to encrypt the data, while the recipient uses a corresponding private key to decrypt the data. This method allows for secure communication because even if someone intercepts the public key, they cannot decrypt the message without the private key, which is kept secret. This method contrasts with symmetric encryption, where a single secret key is used for both encryption and decryption by both parties. As for hashing, it is not an encryption technique at all but rather a one-way function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters, which does not allow for decryption. Data masking obscures specific data within a database, making it unreadable, but it does not involve encryption keys in the same way.

The chosen answer highlights a fundamental characteristic of asymmetric encryption, which is distinct from other methods of encryption. In asymmetric encryption, two different keys are used: a public key and a private key. The public key can be shared openly and is used by the sender to encrypt the data, while the recipient uses a corresponding private key to decrypt the data. This method allows for secure communication because even if someone intercepts the public key, they cannot decrypt the message without the private key, which is kept secret.

This method contrasts with symmetric encryption, where a single secret key is used for both encryption and decryption by both parties. As for hashing, it is not an encryption technique at all but rather a one-way function that converts data into a fixed-size string of characters, which does not allow for decryption. Data masking obscures specific data within a database, making it unreadable, but it does not involve encryption keys in the same way.