Symmetric cryptography refers to a type of cryptography where the key that is used to encrypt the data is the same one that is used for decrypting the data.
The key must be established or agreed upon before the data exchange occurs between the communicating parties.
How Encryption Keeps Data Safe (Part 2)
This is the reason it is also called secret key cryptography.
There are two types of symmetric ciphers: stream ciphers and block ciphers.
Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) are typical examples of block ciphers, whereas RC4 and A5 are commonly used stream ciphers.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
Understanding Symmetric cryptography is not just an academic exercise — it has real-world implications for how blockchain systems are designed, deployed, and secured. Whether you are a developer building decentralized applications, a business leader evaluating blockchain adoption, or a curious learner exploring the technology, this knowledge provides a critical foundation.
Key Points to Remember
- Symmetric cryptography Symmetric cryptography refers to a type of cryptography where the key that is used to encrypt the data is the same one that is used for decrypting the data.
- The key must be established or agreed upon before the data exchange occurs between the communicating parties.
- This is the reason it is also called secret key cryptography.
- There are two types of symmetric ciphers: stream ciphers and block ciphers.
Conclusion
Symmetric cryptography represents one of the many innovative layers that make blockchain technology so powerful and transformative. As distributed systems continue to evolve, a solid understanding of these core concepts becomes increasingly valuable — not just for developers, but for anyone building, investing in, or working alongside blockchain-powered systems.
Whether you are just starting your blockchain journey or deepening existing expertise, mastering these fundamentals gives you the tools to think clearly about decentralized systems and make smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving space.