This deep dive covers Deep Dive: Encryption within Prevention Methods for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Prevention Methods in 3.6 Fundamentals of Cyber Security for GCSE Computer Science with 19 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 5 of 11 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Deep Dive: Encryption
Types and Uses of Encryption
Symmetric Encryption:
- How it works: Same key used to encrypt AND decrypt
- Advantages: Fast, efficient for large amounts of data
- Disadvantages: Key must be shared securely between parties
- Examples: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), DES
Asymmetric Encryption:
- How it works: Two keys - public key to encrypt, private key to decrypt
- Advantages: Public key can be shared openly; private key stays secret
- Disadvantages: Slower than symmetric encryption
- Examples: RSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)
Common uses of encryption:
- HTTPS: Encrypts web traffic (look for padlock in browser)
- Email encryption: Protects message contents (e.g., PGP, S/MIME)
- Full disk encryption: Protects data on stolen laptops/phones (e.g., BitLocker, FileVault)
- VPN: Creates encrypted tunnel for all network traffic
- Messaging apps: End-to-end encryption (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal)
Practice questions for Prevention Methods
What is the primary purpose of a firewall?
Explain how penetration testing can improve the security of a network.