The advantage of symmetric encryption algorithm is that it is fast in encryption and decryption, and it is not easy to crack when using long keys. Suppose two users need to use symmetric encryption method to encrypt and then exchange data, and users need at least two keys to exchange. If an enterprise has n users, the whole enterprise needs n×(n- 1) keys, and the generation and distribution of keys will become a nightmare for enterprise information departments.
The security of symmetric encryption algorithm depends on the preservation of encryption key, but everyone who holds the key in the enterprise is required to keep it secret.
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Disadvantages of symmetric encryption algorithm:
Both sides of the transaction use the same key, so the security is not guaranteed. In addition, each pair of users need to use a unique key that others don't know every time they use symmetric encryption algorithm, which will make the number of keys owned by the sender and the receiver increase geometrically, and key management becomes the burden of users.
Symmetric encryption algorithm is difficult to use in distributed network system, mainly because of the difficulty of key management and high use cost. Compared with public key encryption algorithm, symmetric encryption algorithm can provide encryption and authentication, but it lacks signature function, which narrows the application scope.