Which of the following describes symmetric encryption?

Symmetric encryption is characterized by the use of a single key for both the processes of encrypting and decrypting the information. This means that the same secret key must be shared among the parties involved in the communication, allowing them to securely exchange the information. The primary advantage of symmetric encryption lies in its performance; it tends to be faster and more efficient for handling large amounts of data compared to asymmetric encryption, where different keys are utilized.

In symmetric encryption, the confidentiality of the data is reliant on keeping the shared key secret. If the key is compromised, the security of the encrypted data is also compromised. This approach is widely used in various encryption algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard), making it a fundamental concept in the field of data security.