Symmetric-key algorithms are a class of algorithms for cryptography that use trivially related, often identical, cryptographic keys for both decryption and encryption.
A key is used to encipher something. The same key can be used to decipher it.
Smart cards typically use a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Common algorithms include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for symmetric encryption and RSA or ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) for asymmetric encryption. These encryption methods help secure the data stored on the card and facilitate secure communication between the card and external systems. Additionally, smart cards often implement secure key management practices to protect sensitive cryptographic keys.
In a symmetric cipher, only one unique key is required for both encryption and decryption processes. This key must be kept secret and shared securely between the communicating parties. The security of the encryption relies on the confidentiality of this single key, as anyone with access to it can decrypt the messages.
Symmetric key encryption can be hacked through various methods, such as brute force attacks, where an attacker tries all possible key combinations until the correct one is found. If the key is weak or short, this process can be relatively quick. Additionally, if an attacker gains access to the key itself through methods like social engineering or poor key management practices, they can easily decrypt the data. Lastly, vulnerabilities in the encryption algorithm or implementation can also be exploited to break the encryption.
The essential ingredients of a symmetric cipher include a secret key, an encryption algorithm, and a decryption algorithm. The secret key is shared between the sender and receiver and is used to encrypt and decrypt the data. The encryption algorithm transforms plaintext into ciphertext using the key, while the decryption algorithm reverses this process, converting ciphertext back into plaintext using the same key. Security relies on the secrecy of the key, as anyone with access to it can decrypt the data.
Mostly for performance - symmetric encryption is much much faster (order of magnitudes) than asymmetric encryption.
A: Symmetric
A shared secret keyand other words;Both the sender and receiver share the same key
The term "symmetric encryption" refers to a form of computerized cryptography that uses a singular encryption key to guise an electronic message so that it can be sent in a secure manner.
In symmetric key techniques there is a single key and that key is kept secret. Symmetric key is a like a sub part of classical encryption.
A shared secret key.
Mostly for performance - symmetric encryption is much much faster (order of magnitudes) than asymmetric encryption.
Symmetric
Symmetric encryption requires that both parties (sender and receiver) know and have the exact same encryption key. This key is used both for encrypting and decrypting the data. Using the same encryption algorithm means that only those individuals that know or have the same key will be able to read any messages encrypted by the symmetric key.
Twofish, Advanced Encryption Standard, Blowfish, Serpent, CAST 5, RC4, TDES, and IDEA are all examples of symmetric encryption methods. In short, any algorithm that uses the same or similar cryptographic keys for encryption and decryption is a symmetric encryption method. Symmetric encryption methods are also divided into two different categories, stream ciphers and block ciphers. These two encryption methods are much like the difference between an interpreter and a compiler in programming. Stream encrypts individual bytes one at a time, while Block encrypts volumes as a whole.
A shared secret key
DES