Which is a widely used asymmetric encryption algorithm?

RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) stands out as a widely utilized asymmetric encryption algorithm due to its foundational role in secure online communications. Asymmetric encryption relies on a pair of keys—one public and one private—which enables secure data transmission and digital signatures. RSA's security is based on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers, making it robust against most forms of cryptographic attacks.

In contrast, the other listed algorithms, such as DES and AES, are symmetric encryption algorithms. Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, which presents challenges in key distribution and management. Twofish, like AES, is also a symmetric algorithm. The distinction between asymmetric and symmetric encryption is crucial in understanding their applications and relevance in cybersecurity. RSA's widespread use in protocols like SSL/TLS and email encryption exemplifies the practical importance of asymmetric algorithms in ensuring secure communications across the internet.