Compare and contrast symmetric and asymmetric key systems Wh

Compare and contrast symmetric and asymmetric key systems. Why is an asymmetric system used for signing messages and verifying signatures?

Solution

Symmetric as name suggest uses the same key for encryption and decryption. That means both the person will have the same key. Whereas the asymmetric key system uses two different keys to encrypt and decrypt. The person sending will encrypt with public key which is know to all but decryption can only happen with the private key which is know to only the person receiving the message. Since the asymmetric key system uses some private key which is know to a single person that is the receiver this makes it more secure and authentic. This is why the asymmetric key system is used for verifying signatures.