Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What type of encryption is used by applications like IKE, SSH, PGP, and SSL?

1. Symmetric

2. Asymmetric

3. Hashing

4. Binary

The correct answer is: Asymmetric

The correct answer is that applications like IKE, SSH, PGP, and SSL utilize asymmetric encryption. Asymmetric encryption involves the use of a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. This dual-key system allows for secure communication between parties, facilitating processes like secure key exchange and authentication without the need for prior sharing of a secret key. In IKE (Internet Key Exchange), asymmetric encryption is fundamental for establishing secure communication channels over untrusted networks. It allows devices to negotiate cryptographic keys while ensuring that the identities of the parties involved are verified. Similarly, SSH (Secure Shell) relies on asymmetric encryption to create a secure channel over an unsecured network, ensuring that the data transmitted between the client and the server stays confidential and authenticated. PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) uses asymmetric encryption for securing emails and files, enabling users to encrypt and digitally sign their communications, thus providing both confidentiality and integrity. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), now largely replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), employs asymmetric encryption for setting up secure sessions over the internet, instrumental in establishing trust through certificate authorities and facilitating secure data exchanges. Each of these applications leverages the strength of asymmetric encryption for authentication, secure key exchanges, and establishing encrypted communication channels, making