CompTIA Exam Questions

Symmetric encryption utilizes __________, while asymmet…

Symmetric encryption utilizes __________, while asymmetric encryption utilizes _________.

A.
Public keys, one time

B.
Shared keys, private keys

C.
Private keys, session keys

D.
Private keys, public keys

Explanation:
Symmetrical systems require the key to be private between the two parties. With asymmetric systems, each circuit has one key.
In more detail:
* Symmetric algorithms require both ends of an encrypted message to have the same key and processing algorithms. Symmetric algorithms generate a secret key
that must be protected. A symmetric key, sometimes referred to as a secret key or private key, is a key that isn’t disclosed to people who aren’t authorized to use
the encryption system.
* Asymmetric algorithms use two keys to encrypt and decrypt data. These asymmetric keys are referred to as the public key and the private key. The sender uses

the public key to encrypt a message, and the receiver uses the private key to decrypt the message; what one key does, the other one undoes.
Incorrect Answers:
A: Symmetric encryption uses private keys, not public keys.
B: Symmetric encryption uses private keys, not shared keys.
C: Asymmetric encryption does not use session keys, it uses a public key to encrypt data.

Dulaney, Emmett and Chuck Eastton, CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, Sixth Edition, Sybex, Indianapolis, 2014, pp 251, 262