Question

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric cryptosystem key length

Options:
A. Symmetric keys are longer than asymmetric keys
B. Symmetric keys are shorter than asymmetric keys
C. Key length is the same for both symmetric and asymmetric keys
D. Key length does not matter in cryptography

Answer 1

b) Symmetric keys are shorter than asymmetric keys. Asymmetric keys are typically longer than symmetric keys.

Step-by-step explanation:

In symmetric cryptosystems, the key used to encrypt and decrypt data is the same, so the key is kept secret. Asymmetric cryptosystems, on the other hand, use different keys for encryption and decryption. The key used for encryption is called the public key, while the key used for decryption is called the private key.

In terms of key length, asymmetric keys are typically longer than symmetric keys. Symmetric keys are usually 128 bits, 192 bits, or 256 bits long, whereas asymmetric keys are commonly 2048 bits or longer. The longer the key, the stronger the encryption algorithm.