What is the main difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical encryption?

The primary distinction between symmetrical and asymmetrical encryption lies in the key management process, which is accurately reflected in the selected answer. In symmetrical encryption, the same key is employed for both encryption and decryption. This means that the sender and recipient must share this key securely before they can communicate securely. The simplicity of using a single key makes symmetrical encryption faster and more efficient for processing large volumes of data.

In contrast, asymmetrical encryption utilizes a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key can be shared openly, allowing anyone to encrypt a message intended for the owner of the private key, which remains confidential. Only the owner of the private key can decrypt the message. This key pair method enhances security, especially for exchanging keys over an insecure channel, but it is computationally more intensive and generally slower compared to symmetrical encryption.

Thus, the choice emphasizes not only the technical process behind key use but also the implications for security and efficiency in different scenarios.