Which cryptographic algorithm is asymmetric and used for key exchange? Learn why RSA is widely used for secure key exchange and public-key encryption—essential for CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following cryptographic algorithms is asymmetric and used for key exchange?
A. AES
B. SHA-256
C. 3DES
D. Blowfish
E. RSA
Answer
E. RSA
Explanation
RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm commonly used for secure key exchange.
The asymmetric cryptographic algorithm used for key exchange is RSA.
RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is a widely used asymmetric (public key) cryptographic algorithm that supports encryption, digital signatures, and secure key exchange.
In asymmetric cryptography, two mathematically related keys are used: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. RSA leverages this principle to enable secure communication and key exchange between parties without the need to pre-share secret keys.
RSA can be used in key exchange protocols by encrypting a randomly generated symmetric session key with the recipient’s public key. Only the recipient, possessing the matching private key, can decrypt and obtain the session key, which is then used for subsequent symmetric encryption of data.
While other asymmetric algorithms like Diffie-Hellman are also used for key exchange, RSA is unique in that it can perform encryption, digital signatures, and key exchange operations, making it a versatile choice in many cryptographic protocols.
Symmetric algorithms such as AES, 3DES, and Blowfish, as well as hashing algorithms like SHA-256, do not provide asymmetric key exchange capabilities.
RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm commonly used for secure key exchange, enabling parties to establish shared secrets over untrusted networks.
CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam and earn CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 certification.