Symmetric cryptography

Abstract

Symmetric encryption is the most common method to guarantee the confidentiality of a message or information. Encryption is a cryptographic process that makes it impossible for anyone who needs the decryption key to gain knowledge of plaintext. It is called symmetric when it uses the same key for encryption and decryption. The required key length for symmetric encryption must be at least 256 bits to guarantee sufficient protection against brute force attacks and the possible arrival of quantum computers. To conclude, well-established cryptographic libraries implementing standard algorithms should be preferred over homemade implementation.