Symmetric Cryptography
Symmetric cryptography is a cryptographic method where the same secret key is used for both encryption and decryption of data. It ensures confidentiality by transforming plaintext into ciphertext that can only be reversed with the identical key. This approach is widely used for securing data at rest and in transit due to its efficiency and speed.
Developers should learn symmetric cryptography when building systems that require fast and efficient data encryption, such as securing files, databases, or network communications (e.g., TLS/SSL). It is essential for applications handling sensitive information like financial transactions or personal data, where performance and low latency are critical, as it typically offers higher throughput compared to asymmetric methods.