Which approach to encryption involves the use of keys differing in function?

Asymmetric encryption involves the use of keys that serve different purposes. In this method, two separate keys are employed: a public key, which can be shared freely and is used for encrypting the data, and a private key, which is kept secret and is used for decrypting the data. This key pair functionality is what distinguishes asymmetric encryption from other types of encryption methods.

The use of differing keys allows for a secure communication channel even when the public key is shared publicly, because only the holder of the private key can decrypt the information. This fundamental characteristic not only enables the confidentiality of the data but also supports digital signatures, which verify the authenticity and integrity of a message.

In contrast, symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, making it a different approach altogether. Hashing does not involve keys in the traditional sense, as it converts data into a fixed-size string of characters but is not meant for decryption. Simple encoding typically does not offer any significant security features, as it involves a straightforward transformation of data rather than a cryptographic approach.