What is the key characteristic of Asymmetric Encryption?

Asymmetric encryption is distinguished by its use of two separate keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key is used for decryption. This two-key system enables secure communication because the public key can be shared freely, allowing anyone to encrypt a message. However, only the holder of the private key can decrypt it, ensuring that the message remains confidential.

In contrast to symmetric encryption, which relies on a single key for both encryption and decryption, the dual-key mechanism of asymmetric encryption is what enhances security, particularly in environments where secure key distribution is a challenge. It also underpins many security protocols, such as SSL/TLS for secure web transactions and PGP for secure emails.

The other options do not accurately describe asymmetric encryption, highlighting its unique two-key structure as the key characteristic that differentiates it from other encryption methods.