What type of cryptographic method involves using two different keys for encryption and decryption?

Asymmetric cryptography is a method that utilizes two distinct keys for its encryption and decryption processes. This system is designed so that one key, known as the public key, is used for encryption and can be shared openly, while the other key, the private key, is kept secret and is used for decryption. The key pairs are mathematically linked: if one key encrypts data, only the corresponding key can decrypt it. This method enhances security because the public key can be distributed widely without compromising the integrity of encrypted data.

In contrast, symmetric cryptography employs a single key for both encryption and decryption, which creates challenges in securely sharing that key. Hashing is not a cryptographic method used for encryption; instead, it generates a fixed-size hash value from input data, making it useful for integrity verification but not for secure communication. Steganography involves concealing data within other data types, such as images or audio files, rather than encrypting it. Therefore, the unique nature of using separate keys in asymmetric cryptography is what fundamentally distinguishes it from other options presented.