What are asymmetric algorithms?

• Asymmetric algorithms are based on the computational security that offers encryption made in polynomial time complexity and that require cryptanalysis with exponential time complexity. • Asymmetric algorithms are efficient at encrypting small volumes of data, which is why they are generally used for key exchange and digital signature.

What is the difference between asymmetric and symmetric encryption?

The main difference between asymmetric versus symmetric cryptography is that asymmetric encryption algorithms make use of two different but related keys. One key encrypts data and another key decrypts it. Symmetric encryption uses the same key to perform both encryption and decryption functions.

What is a symmetric key used for?

The symmetric key is used in some manner to generate the actual encryption string, which in some encryption techniques is exclusive ORed with the plaintext to create the encrypted data, or ciphertext.

What is the difference between encryption algorithm and key?

The encryption algorithm is simply a mathematical formula designed to scramble data, while the key is used as part of the formula. The encryption algorithm is generic, but the key, used as an input to the algorithm, is what ensures the uniqueness of the scrambled data.