There are two fundamental ways to use keys or secrets for encryption:symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption uses the identical key to both encrypt and decrypt the data. Symmetric key algorithms are much faster computationally than asymmetric algorithms as the encryption process is less complicated. The length of the key size is critical for the strength of the security. NIST has recommendations on how long a key should be– in general, 160-512 bits. There are inherent challenges with symmetric key encryption in that the key must somehow be managed. Distributing a shared key is a major security risk.
symmetric encryption
Asymmetric encryption uses two related keys (public and private) for data encryption and decryption, and takes away the security risk of key sharing. The private key is never exposed. A message that is encrypted by using the public key can only be decrypted by applying the same algorithm and using the matching private key. Likewise, a message that is encrypted by using the private key can only be decrypted by using the matching public key.
Asymmetric Encryption
Are you building out for secure devices to protect your engineering designs and secure any potential hacking in your product? Receive a FREE Atmel CryptoAuthentication development tool?
This blog was written by Steve Jarmusz, Atmel Applications Manager for Crypto, Memory and Analog Devices.
Atmel | Bits & Pieces 