Which asymmetric algorithm was described in 1977 by researchers at MIT?

The algorithm that was described in 1977 by researchers at MIT is RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman). RSA is a widely used asymmetric cryptographic algorithm that facilitates secure data transmission. It relies on the mathematical properties of large prime numbers and modular arithmetic, allowing for both encryption of messages and the creation of digital signatures. The significance of RSA lies in its ability to enable secure communication over insecure channels, making it a foundational building block of modern cryptography.

In contrast, other options represent different algorithms or concepts. EC refers to Elliptic Curve cryptography, which emerged after RSA and is based on the algebraic structure of elliptic curves over finite fields. AES, or Advanced Encryption Standard, is a symmetric encryption algorithm adopted in 2001, focusing on speed and security but it is not asymmetric nor was it described in 1977. DH refers to Diffie-Hellman key exchange, a method for securely exchanging cryptographic keys over a public channel, which was proposed around the same time, but it is not an encryption algorithm per se like RSA. Thus, RSA stands out as the correct choice for an asymmetric algorithm introduced by MIT researchers in 1977.