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D5 · Crypto
How do encryption algorithms compare?
Type
Algorithm
Key Size
Use For
Symmetric
AES-256
256-bit
Bulk data
Asymmetric
RSA
2048+ bit
Key exchange
Asymmetric
ECC
256-bit ≈ RSA-3072
Key exchange (efficient)
Hash
SHA-256
256-bit output
Integrity
ECC provides equivalent security to RSA with much smaller keys — important for IoT and mobile. AES-256 is unbreakable by brute force. RSA 2048 is current minimum; 4096 for long-term sensitive keys.
Related Terms
How does asymmetric key exchange work in TLS?
What is a block cipher?
What is CBC mode encryption?
What is the certificate lifecycle?
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