Symmetric encryption is a type of encryption where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption of data. Here’s how it works:
1. Key Generation: First, a key is generated using an algorithm. This key is a secret and should only be shared between the communicating parties.
1. Encryption: The plaintext message is encrypted using the key. This process is done using an algorithm that transforms the plaintext into ciphertext. In symmetric encryption, the same key that was used for encryption is the key that is used for decryption.
1. Transmission: The encrypted message is transmitted over a network or medium to the recipient.
1. Decryption: The recipient of the message uses the same key to decrypt the ciphertext message back into plaintext. This process uses the same algorithm that was used for encryption, but with the key reversed to undo the encryption.
Symmetric encryption is widely used in various applications, including securing sensitive data and securing communications between devices in a network. Examples of symmetric encryption algorithms include AES, DES, and Blowfish.
