What Is Symmetric Encryption?

Symmetric encryption is a form of computerized cryptography using a singular encryption key to guise an electronic message. Its data conversion uses a mathematical algorithm and a secret key, which results in the inability to make sense of a message. Symmetric encryption is a two-way algorithm because the mathematical algorithm is reversed when decrypting the message and using the same secret key. An excellent example of symmetric encryption is the use of an ATM card. When you insert your card into an ATM, you enter your PIN and withdraw money from your account. The ATM encrypts this information using the same encryption key created before sending it over to your bank's mainframe computer, which gets decrypted and approved for withdrawal. Another example of symmetric encryption is when you purchase something online with a credit card number through PayPal or another eCommerce platform. The credit card numbers are encrypted by both parties' computers using their unique secret keys so that no one else can read them except themselves and their intended recipients. The latter also holds their special private keys. The two types of symmetric encryptions are done using block and stream algorithms. Block algorithms are applied to blocks of electronic data, which can be either fixed or variable in length. A specified set length of bits is transformed while simultaneously using the selected secret key. This key is then applied to each block. However, when network stream data is encrypted, the encryption system holds the data in its memory components, waiting for the blocks. The time the system remains can yield a definite security gap, which may compromise data protection. The solution involves a process where the data block could be lessened and combined with previous encrypted data block contents until the rest of the blocks arrive. It is known as feedback. When the entire block is received, then it is encrypted. The feedback loop process allows for a faster transmission speed by decreasing latency time and increasing throughput rates because fewer resources are needed to encrypt/decrypt data once an endpoint device or server has received it.