Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography is playing an increasingly important role in the development of modern infrastructures enabling the digitalization and security of society. Technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and blockchain rely on the processing and sharing of large amounts of sensitive data, which require rigorous protection standards. Encryption algorithms such as AES and public/private key systems are now helping to protect critical infrastructures, advanced public services, and mobility platforms.
The most advanced symmetric and asymmetric cryptography solutions safeguard personal data, digital identities, financial transactions, and machine-to-machine communications, which are essential for the configuration of the most modern smart cities. The pervasive interconnection of intelligent objects, the integrated management of heterogeneous networks, and ubiquitous access to resources already require advanced levels of defense, especially considering the expansion of cyber attacks in terms of sophistication, destructive capacity, and impact on society.
It is therefore critical to design networks, systems, and services according to the principles of end-to-end security by design. In this context, applied research in modern cryptography is an enabling factor for the secure and harmonious development of digital technologies to support socioeconomic growth.
Difference between symmetric and asymmetric cryptography
The symmetric cryptography process relies on the use of a single shared cryptographic key, while asymmetric cryptography uses two distinct cryptographic keys, one public and one private. This is the main difference between the two cryptographic schemes. Symmetric cryptography requires the same cryptographic key to be used for both message encryption and decryption.
Therefore, this key must be absolutely safeguarded and protected, as its knowledge by third parties would compromise all encrypted data. In contrast, in asymmetric cryptography, the public key can be freely distributed without compromising the security of the system, as it is unable to decrypt messages encrypted with the corresponding private key.
Another substantial difference concerns the cryptographic algorithms used. While symmetric encryption generally uses algorithms such as AES, 3DES, and IDEA, asymmetric encryption relies on schemes such as RSA, DSA, and ECC. The latter are computationally more intensive due to the longer key lengths and the complexity of the underlying mathematical calculations.
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption have complementary characteristics in the design of advanced cryptographic systems. The correct use of both techniques allows for the creation of secure and effective cryptographic systems, leveraging their respective advantages and addressing each other’s limitations.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Cryptography: Applications in Cybersecurity
Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography play a fundamental role in the design of advanced cybersecurity solutions. Symmetric cryptography is widely used in network protection, through the encryption of VPN connections and the TLS/SSL protocol. Algorithms such as AES protect the confidentiality and integrity of network traffic, ensuring secure communications. It is also used at the storage level, for example, by encrypting sensitive files and databases stored on remote servers. Furthermore, with file system-level encryption schemes, encrypted volumes can be created to protect data at rest.
Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, covers scenarios requiring advanced authentication functions. Using RSA and ECDSA algorithms, terminal authentication is ensured within VPN systems and digital document signatures. Furthermore, private keys enable the creation of qualified and advanced electronic signature solutions. Therefore, the synergistic adoption of Symmetric and Asymmetric Cryptography is essential for designing modern and effective cybersecurity solutions.
Asymmetric and Symmetric Cryptography: All the Benefits for the Industrial, Military, Public Administration, and Railway Sectors
Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography play a key role in the industrial, military, public administration, and railway sectors, as they enable the design of advanced cybersecurity networks. Encryption systems based on symmetric cryptography ensure high levels of protection for VPN communications and corporate databases through the use of algorithms such as AES. This cryptographic approach effectively protects the confidentiality of industrial processes and strategic plans.
In the military and high-security fields, asymmetric cryptography enables sophisticated authentication functions, ensuring the integrity of transactions to and from command and control systems, information archives, and remote desktop applications. In public administration, the combined use of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography helps protect digital service delivery platforms, preventing infrastructure attacks and safeguarding access to sensitive data. These cryptographic techniques guarantee the confidentiality of transactions conducted by citizens on institutional portals, ensuring the authenticity and non-repudiation of administrative processes conducted digitally.
Finally, the use of these cryptographic techniques is essential for intelligent railway networks and the secure management of passenger and freight transport. Specifically, symmetric encryption is used to secure the exchange of information between different signaling, control, and rail traffic management systems. Asymmetric encryption supports advanced secure train identification and traffic data functions, enabling applications for remote monitoring of line and train status. This helps ensure the highest levels of reliability and safety for rail transport.
