The
Symmetric Key Algorithm uses a single key which is then referred to as a
shared secret, secret key algorithm or private key algorithm.
It is required that the key be distributed to all parties that are to participate in communications, since this single key is used to encrypt messages from the sender and decrypt messages at the receiving end.
Symmetric Key encryption falls into one of the following two categories;
- Block cipher, which takes a block of bits and then encrypts them as a single block. Typically this is 64 bits.
- Stream cipher encrypts bits one bit at a time.
Some considerations to be given with this method of encryption are;
- Key distribution may be a significant problem.
- Non-repudiation cannot be implemented.
- Using this algorithm for large enterprises is not recommended due to the fact that everyone needs the shared key.
It is not a scalable algorithm.
- Every time someone leaves the group a new set of keys is required.
A
key is a string of bits.
The symmetric algorithm is best suited where key exchange is a simple process, and where frequent communications between parties exists.
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