Symmetric encryptions are cryptographic algorithms in which the same [[Encryption Key|key]] is used for [[encryption]] and decryption. In our example,[[ Alice and Bob]] use the same key (in red) to decrypt and encrypt the message. One of the main problems of such a protocol is the key distribution step: Before Alice and Bob can start using a key, they must both know it. ![[symmetric_encryption.excalidraw.light.svg]] The industry standard AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption. >[!read]- Further Reading >- [[Encryption]] >- [[Encryption Key]] >- [[Quantum Key Distribution]] >[!ref]- References