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EC-Council

312-50V9 · Question #131

The fundamental difference between symmetric and asymmetric key cryptographic systems is that symmetric key cryptography uses which of the following?

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.

Cryptography

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

How the community answered

(46 responses)
  • A
    7% (3)
  • B
    2% (1)
  • C
    2% (1)
  • D
    89% (41)

Why each option

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.

AMultiple keys for non-repudiation of bulk data

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.

BDifferent keys on both ends of the transport medium

Using different keys on each end of the transmission describes asymmetric cryptography, where a public key encrypts and a different private key decrypts.

CBulk encryption for data transmission over fiber

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.

DThe same key on each end of the transmission mediumCorrect

Symmetric cryptography relies on a single shared secret key that both the sender and receiver must possess. This shared key is used for both encryption and decryption, which is the defining characteristic separating it from asymmetric (public-key) systems. The requirement for both parties to hold the same key creates the well-known key distribution problem.

Concept tested: Symmetric vs asymmetric cryptography key usage

Source: https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/symmetric_key_cryptography

Topics

#symmetric cryptography#shared key#asymmetric vs symmetric#key management

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