What is asymmetric encryption and how does it work?

What is asymmetric encryption and how does it work?

Asymmetric encryption is a type of encryption that uses a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key encrypts data, while the private key decrypts it. This allows secure communication without sharing the private key.

Can you give me an example of how it's used in real life?

Sure! A common example is in secure web browsing. When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, your browser uses asymmetric encryption to establish a secure connection with the server.

What are the advantages of using asymmetric encryption over symmetric encryption?

The main advantage is that asymmetric encryption eliminates the need to share a secret key, making it more secure for communication over the internet.

Are there any disadvantages to asymmetric encryption?

Yes, asymmetric encryption is generally slower than symmetric encryption and requires more computational power, which can be a drawback for large data transfers.