Encryption

//What encryption does and does not do

Encryption does NOT stop data being intercepted. It makes the intercepted data meaningless without the key. Say that precisely — 'it stops hackers' is not enough for the mark.

//Symmetric vs asymmetric

Symmetric uses the SAME key to encrypt and decrypt, so it is fast — but that key must somehow be sent to the other person safely, which is the weakness. Asymmetric uses a pair: the PUBLIC key encrypts and can be given to anyone, and only the matching PRIVATE key can decrypt. That solves the key-sharing problem.

Symmetric   :  key A encrypts, key A decrypts
Asymmetric  :  public key encrypts
               private key decrypts (kept secret)

KEY TERMS

CHECK YOURSELF