An efficient use of public key infrastructure (PKI) should encrypt the:
A.
entire message.
B.
private key.
C.
public key.
D.
symmetric session key.
Explanation:
Public key (asymmetric) cryptographic systems require larger keys (1,024 bits) and involve intensive
and time-consuming computations. In comparison, symmetric encryption is considerably faster, yet
relies on the security of the process for exchanging the secret key. To enjoy the benefits of both
systems, a symmetric session key is exchanged using public key methods, after which it serves as the
secret key for encrypting/decrypting messages sent between two parties.