

How does symmetric key encryption work? This simplified graphic illustrates the basic concept of how symmetric key encryption works: two identical keys encrypt and decrypt data.

The encrypted message, called ciphertext, looks like scrambled letters and can’t be read by anyone along the way.The sender uses an encryption key (usually a string of letters and numbers) to encrypt their message.Just in case it’s helpful, let’s do a quick review of how encryption works in general: This differs from asymmetric encryption, which uses two keys - a public key (that anyone can access) to encrypt information and a private key to decrypt information. Both the sender and the recipient have identical copies of the key, which they keep secret and don’t share with anyone.

To put this in the simplest terms possible, symmetric encryption is a type of encryption that uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. What Is Symmetric Encryption & What Does It Do? A Definition & Explanation

We’ll break down everything you need to know about what it is and how and where you’re using it…Īlthough you may not realize it, symmetric encryption is in use just about everywhere you look. In Beyond Hashed Out, Everything Encryption Symmetric key encryption is part of virtually everything you do online.
