Symmetric encryption uses one shared key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a public-private key pair.
How It Works in Practice
- 1Establish secure channel using asymmetric encryption to exchange symmetric session keys during payment gateway handshake
- 2Decrypt payment messages at receiving endpoints using the same symmetric key for validation
Common Pitfalls
Storing asymmetric private keys in payment HSMs without proper access controls violates FIPS 140-2 Level 3 requirements
Key Metrics
| Metric | Formula |
|---|---|
| Key Exchange Success Rate | Successful asymmetric handshakes / Total connection attempts |
| Transaction Encryption Latency | Time from plaintext input to encrypted output for symmetric operations |
| Key Rotation Compliance | Keys rotated within policy window / Total active encryption keys |
Related Terms
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