What is a defining feature of asymmetric encryption?

A defining feature of asymmetric encryption is that it uses one key for encryption and a different key for decryption. This is a fundamental characteristic of asymmetric cryptography, which relies on a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt data, allowing anyone to encrypt a message that can only be decrypted by the corresponding private key. This setup enhances security, particularly in communication, as the private key never needs to be shared. It allows for secure exchanges and digital signatures, providing integrity and authentication.

The use of two distinct keys for the encryption and decryption process is what separates asymmetric encryption from symmetric encryption, which uses the same key for both operations. Understanding this distinction is important in the field of cybersecurity, as various methods of encryption serve different purposes and are suited to different situations.