Symmetric encryption is a method of protecting data by using a private key to encrypt (lock) and decrypt (unlock) it. Both the sender and recipient must possess this key, which could be a word, passphrase, or complex combination of characters, numbers, and symbols, to access encrypted information.
One advantage for organizations using this type of encryption is its cost-effectiveness. However, it does come with certain drawbacks. In symmetric encryption, keys can remain usable indefinitely, leading organizations to simply forget to perform periodic key changes. Consequently, former employees in such cases can still access and decipher encrypted data.
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