[Misty Stewart]

Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. This method is fast and efficient, making it suitable for encrypting large amounts of data. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm. Symmetric encryption is appropriate for scenarios where the key can be securely shared between parties, such as encrypting data at rest on a hard drive or securing communication within a closed network. Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key encryption, uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This method is more secure for transmitting data over insecure channels, as the public key can be shared openly while the private key remains confidential. RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is a popular asymmetric encryption algorithm. Asymmetric encryption is appropriate for scenarios such as securing email communication, digital signatures, and establishing secure connections over the internet. Hashing is a one-way encryption method that converts data into a fixed-length hash value. Hashing is not reversible, meaning the original data cannot be retrieved from the hash value. SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) is a common hashing algorithm. Hashing is appropriate for scenarios where data integrity needs to be verified, such as storing passwords securely, ensuring data integrity in file transfers, and creating digital fingerprints for documents. These encryption methods play a crucial role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring secure communication in various contexts.