(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which encryption method would be the most secure for sending sensitive information over the internet?

1. Symmetric

2. Asymmetric

3. None of the above

4. Hashing

The correct answer is: Asymmetric

The most secure method for sending sensitive information over the internet is asymmetric encryption. This type of encryption uses a pair of keys: a public key that can be shared with anyone and a private key that is kept secret by the owner. When someone wants to send sensitive information, they encrypt the data using the recipient's public key. Only the recipient can decrypt this data using their private key, ensuring that even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it cannot be read by unauthorized parties. Asymmetric encryption provides a robust solution for secure communication because it addresses the challenges of key distribution and management associated with symmetric encryption, which relies on a single shared key. In asymmetric systems, the public key can be disseminated widely, while the private key remains confidential, reducing the risk of key exposure. Furthermore, asymmetric encryption is often used in conjunction with digital signatures, allowing recipients to verify the authenticity and integrity of the received messages. This combination strengthens overall security, making asymmetric encryption the preferred choice for transmitting confidential information online. Hashing, while useful for verifying data integrity, is not an encryption method and does not provide confidentiality. Symmetric encryption can also secure data, but it lacks the key management advantages of asymmetric encryption, especially in environments where secure key exchange is a