EC-Council
312-50V9 · Question #131
312-50V9 Question #131: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is D: The same key on each end of the transmission medium. Symmetric key cryptography is defined by using the same shared key on both sides of a communication channel, unlike asymmetric which uses a key pair.
Question
The fundamental difference between symmetric and asymmetric key cryptographic systems is that symmetric key cryptography uses which of the following?
Options
- AMultiple keys for non-repudiation of bulk data
- BDifferent keys on both ends of the transport medium
- CBulk encryption for data transmission over fiber
- DThe same key on each end of the transmission medium
Explanation
Symmetric key cryptography is defined by using the same shared key on both sides of a communication channel, unlike asymmetric which uses a key pair.
Common mistakes.
- A. Using multiple keys for non-repudiation describes a property of asymmetric cryptography, not symmetric, since non-repudiation relies on a private key that only one party holds.
- B. Using different keys on each end of the transmission describes asymmetric cryptography, where a public key encrypts and a different private key decrypts.
- C. Bulk encryption capability is a performance characteristic of some symmetric ciphers, but it is not the defining difference between symmetric and asymmetric systems, and fiber medium is irrelevant.
Concept tested. Symmetric vs asymmetric cryptography key usage
Reference. https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/symmetric_key_cryptography
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