Which type of encryption poses risks due to the necessity of sharing the same keys?

Prepare for the FITSI Operator Exam with detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ensure exam success!

The correct choice regarding the type of encryption that poses risks due to the necessity of sharing the same keys is symmetric encryption. In symmetric encryption, both the sender and the recipient must use the same key to encrypt and decrypt the information. This requirement for a shared key creates vulnerabilities, particularly in how the key is distributed and stored. If the key is intercepted during transmission, or if it's not stored securely, an unauthorized party could easily access the encrypted data.

The risks associated with symmetric encryption stem from the challenges of managing the key securely, as anyone with access to the key can decrypt the information. Thus, while symmetric encryption offers efficiency and speed for encrypting large amounts of data, the requirement for a shared key introduces significant security concerns. These concerns highlight the need for robust key management practices in any system relying on symmetric encryption.

In contrast, asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys (public and private) where the public key can be shared openly, eliminating many of the risks related to key sharing found in symmetric encryption. Hybrid models combine symmetric and asymmetric encryption, leveraging the strengths of both without relying entirely on shared keys.

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