Symmetric encryption

Symmetric encryption is a method of securing information where the same key is used for both encrypting and decrypting the data. Think of it like a locked box: you use a key to lock it (encrypt) and the same key to unlock it (decrypt). This approach is efficient and fast, making it suitable for large amounts of data. However, the challenge lies in sharing the key securely between parties, as anyone with access to the key can read the encrypted data. Examples of symmetric encryption algorithms include AES and DES.