What characterizes asymmetric encryption?

Asymmetric encryption is characterized by the use of paired private and public keys. In this system, each participant has a pair of keys: a public key, which is shared openly and can be used by anyone to encrypt messages, and a private key, which is kept secret and used to decrypt messages that have been encrypted with the corresponding public key. This key-pair method allows secure communication without the need to exchange private keys, thus enhancing security.

The strength of asymmetric encryption lies in the fact that even if someone obtains the public key, they cannot easily compute the corresponding private key. This is a fundamental principle of public key cryptography and allows for secure transmission of data and verification of identities without risk of exposing the private key.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of asymmetric encryption:

• Using a single encryption key refers to symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption.

• Involving only public keys omits the essential role of private keys in the encryption and decryption process.

• Requiring no key sharing incorrectly implies that no key is used, while in asymmetric encryption, the public key is shared, but the private key remains confidential.