Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which encryption type is generally faster and consumes fewer resources?

1. Symmetric

2. Asymmetric

3. Quantum

4. Block

The correct answer is: Symmetric

Symmetric encryption is typically faster and consumes fewer resources compared to other encryption types. This efficiency stems from the way symmetric encryption operates; it uses a single key for both encryption and decryption processes. This simplicity allows for quicker processing times, as the algorithms involved in symmetric encryption often require less computational power and memory. In contrast, asymmetric encryption involves a pair of keys—one public and one private—which necessitates more complex computations for secure exchanges and increased processing overhead. Due to the mathematical operations involved, asymmetric encryption is generally slower and more resource-intensive. Quantum encryption, while promising, is not yet widely implemented and comes with its own set of complexities that do not allow for efficient resource use in current applications. Block encryption refers to the method of encrypting data in fixed-size blocks, which can be a part of symmetric or asymmetric systems. While block encryption can provide strong security, it does not inherently denote greater speed or efficiency as it depends on the underlying algorithm being used. Therefore, symmetric encryption stands out as the most resource-efficient and fastest option among these choices.