SYMMETRIC encryption uses
- two different keys: public for encrypt, private for decrypt
- no keys (steganography)
- the SAME secret key for both encryption and decryption
- biometric data only
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Correct answer: C. the SAME secret key for both encryption and decryption
1. SYMMETRIC encryption: a single shared secret key encrypts and decrypts.
2. Examples: AES, DES, 3DES, ChaCha20.
3. ADVANTAGE: very fast — used for bulk data encryption (file storage, disk encryption, TLS data channel).
4. DISADVANTAGE: key distribution — how do two parties agree on the secret without a pre-existing secure channel?
5. Option A is asymmetric. Options B, D are not encryption types.
_Source: Boneh & Shoup, "A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography", §2 (Symmetric encryption)._