What does the term "symmetric encryption" imply?

The term "symmetric encryption" refers to a method of encryption where the same key is utilized for both the encryption and decryption processes. This means that the sender and receiver must both possess the identical key to securely exchange information. Because both parties use the same key, symmetric encryption is typically faster and more efficient than asymmetric encryption, which involves a pair of keys (public and private).

This approach provides a straightforward mechanism for securing communications, as long as the key remains confidential and is shared securely between the parties involved. Key management becomes crucial, as losing the key or having it compromised can lead to unauthorized access to encrypted data.

Other options, such as using different keys for encryption and decryption, not using keys at all, or equating symmetric encryption with hashing, do not accurately depict the characteristics of symmetric encryption. Hashing, for example, is a one-way function that generates a fixed-size string from variable input data, and does not have a reversible process like encryption does.