What is symmetric encryption?

Symmetric encryption is a method of encryption where the same key is utilized for both the encryption of plaintext and the decryption of ciphertext. This means that both the sender and recipient must possess the same secret key in order to read and write encrypted messages. This approach is efficient for performance, as it generally uses less processing power compared to asymmetric encryption, which involves pairs of keys.

In symmetric encryption, the security of the process heavily relies on the secrecy of the key. If the key is compromised, so is the security of the data. Common algorithms that use symmetric encryption include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard).

The other options suggest different characteristics that are not applicable to symmetric encryption. The use of different keys for encryption and decryption pertains to asymmetric encryption, while multiple keys for enhanced security is more aligned with certain advanced encryption schemes rather than the fundamental principles of symmetric encryption. User authentication for access does not define any specific encryption type but relates more to security frameworks that control access to encrypted data.