Private Key Encryption

• Private key encryption is often called symmetric key encryption.
  • Symmetrical, or identical, keys are used to encrypt and decrypt the message.

• Private key encryption is also called secret key encryption.
  • The sender and receiver must have a shared key set up in advance and kept secret from all other parties.
  • The key must be kept private, or secret.
    • Sender and receiver must have a secure way of sharing the secret key.

• This form of encryption has been used throughout history by:
  • Julius Caesar
  • German U-Boat commanders

What are the advantages and disadvantages of secret key encyption?

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© 2006 John Michael Pierobon

Notes