What defines asymmetric encryption?

Asymmetric encryption is defined by the use of two distinct keys: a public key and a private key. This dual-key approach allows one key to encrypt the data while the other key is used for decryption. The key intended for encryption can be shared publicly, enabling anyone to send encrypted messages that can only be decrypted by the owner of the corresponding private key. This enhances security and facilitates secure communications, as the private key remains confidential to the user.

Using the same key for both encryption and decryption characterizes symmetric encryption rather than asymmetric encryption. Not involving keys at all entirely contradicts the principle of encryption, which fundamentally relies on keys for securing data. While it is true that asymmetric encryption is generally slower than symmetric encryption due to the complexity of the algorithms used, this aspect does not define the encryption method itself but rather speaks to its performance characteristics in relation to symmetric encryption.