Which encryption method uses different keys for encryption and decryption?

Which encryption method uses different keys for encryption and decryption?

• A. Symmetric encryption
• B. Public Key Encryption
• C. Asymmetric encryption
• D. Hashing

Answer: (C)

Using different keys for encryption and decryption is a hallmark of asymmetric cryptography. In this approach you work with a pair of keys: a public key that can be shared openly to encrypt data, and a private key kept secret to decrypt it. This setup means anyone can send you confidential information without having a secret key in advance. By contrast, symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, so the key must be securely shared beforehand. Hashing, meanwhile, isn’t encryption at all; it produces a fixed digest of data in a one-way way and doesn’t involve reversing with a key.

Using different keys for encryption and decryption is a hallmark of asymmetric cryptography. In this approach you work with a pair of keys: a public key that can be shared openly to encrypt data, and a private key kept secret to decrypt it. This setup means anyone can send you confidential information without having a secret key in advance. By contrast, symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, so the key must be securely shared beforehand. Hashing, meanwhile, isn’t encryption at all; it produces a fixed digest of data in a one-way way and doesn’t involve reversing with a key.