What are Asymmetric and Symmetric Encryption and Which One Should You Use?

Encryption is the process of turning readable text into a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols. This is done in order to keep your data secure and away from anyone that's trying to access it without permission. When it reaches its intended destination, you would decrypt the data back into readable text. So if that's the definition of encryption, than how do the terms asymmetric and symmetric work into this?

Asymmetric encryption is the form of encryption that utilizes two different keys, a public key, which is used to encrypt the data, and a private key, which is used to decrypt that data when it reaches the place that you send it. Asymmetric encryption can be used for authenticating the identity of an individual trying to access information, provide a channel for symmetric key exchanges and prevent attacks, and lets you see the digital signatures of anyone that may be altering your data.

Symmetric encryption are a lot shorter because they can be anywhere from 128 bits to 256 bits. This is possible because symmetric encryption only uses one key to both encrypt and decrypt data. While this may seem efficient in reducing the amount of things you need to keep track of, it can be dangerous if this key falls into the wrong hands.

So what's the difference between these two types of encryption? Symmetric encryption provides shorter keys, while asymmetric encryption needs to be greater than 2048 bits. With the separate keys, asymmetric encryption can be sent over public channels, while symmetric encryption needs the key to be handed off in person. Symmetric keys tend to be good when you are using them over a private channel, but asymmetric encryption tends to be more secure.

When we send out our SSL certificates, they are asymmetrically encrypted which ensures that your data is not at risk of attacks. We also offer some discounted SSL certificates for our hosting clients at Ionblade Web Hosting

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