iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

What is a major advantage of asymmetric key cryptography?

1. It is computationally inexpensive and fast

2. It allows easier key distribution to unknown users

3. It does not require a public key

4. It can completely eliminate man-in-the-middle attacks

The correct answer is: It allows easier key distribution to unknown users

The major advantage of asymmetric key cryptography lies in its capability to facilitate easier key distribution to unknown users. In this type of cryptography, each user has a pair of keys: a public key, which can be shared openly, and a private key, which is kept secret. When a sender wants to communicate securely with a recipient whom they may not have met before, they can use the recipient's public key to encrypt the message. The recipient can then use their private key to decrypt it. This model eliminates the need for a secure channel to transfer keys, as the public key can be freely distributed without compromising the security of the private key. This simplifies the process of establishing secure communication, especially in scenarios involving many users or when the identities of users are not yet known. In contrast, other forms of cryptography, like symmetric key cryptography, rely on a shared secret that must be exchanged securely between parties, which can present challenges in key distribution, especially if the users are not previously acquainted. The ability to share the public key openly enhances security while maintaining convenience in establishing encrypted connections.