Encryption Algorithms: Symmetric vs Asymmetric

What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms?

Which of the following is a symmetric cryptographic algorithm? (A) PKI (B) DSA (C) 3DES (D) RSA

Answer:

The symmetric cryptographic algorithm among the options is: (C) 3DES.

Encryption algorithms play a crucial role in securing data and information in today's digital world. Two common types of encryption algorithms are symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms.

Symmetric Cryptographic Algorithms:

Symmetric cryptographic algorithms use the same key for both encryption and decryption. This means that the key used to encrypt the data is also used to decrypt it. One example of a symmetric cryptographic algorithm is Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES), where the Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm is applied three times consecutively with different keys, providing an extra layer of security.

Asymmetric Cryptographic Algorithms:

In contrast, asymmetric cryptographic algorithms involve the use of a pair of keys - a public key and a private key. The public key is used for encryption, while the private key is used for decryption. This allows for secure communication between parties without the need to share a common key.

Among the options provided, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) is not a cryptographic algorithm but a framework that utilizes asymmetric encryption. DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) is also an asymmetric algorithm used for digital signatures, while RSA is another asymmetric algorithm used for encryption and digital signatures.

Therefore, 3DES (C) is the correct choice as the only symmetric cryptographic algorithm among the options.

Understanding the differences between symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms is essential for implementing effective security measures in various applications.