Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What distinguishes asymmetric encryption algorithms such as RSA?

1. They use multiple keys for encryption

2. They do not require a private key

3. They use a single shared key

4. They encrypt data faster

The correct answer is: They use multiple keys for encryption

Asymmetric encryption algorithms, such as RSA, are distinguished by the fact that they use multiple keys for encryption and decryption: a public key and a private key. In this system, the public key is used to encrypt the data, while the corresponding private key is used for decryption. This dual-key mechanism ensures that only the holder of the private key can decrypt the messages encrypted with the public key, enhancing security and enabling functions like secure communications without needing to share a secret key in advance. The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of asymmetric encryption. For example, the statement about not requiring a private key is misleading because a private key is essential for decrypting messages that have been encrypted with a public key. Similarly, saying that they use a single shared key applies to symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, rather than to asymmetric encryption. Finally, while asymmetric encryption offers strong security, it is typically slower than symmetric encryption due to the complex mathematical computations involved, not faster.