What is hybrid encryption?

Hybrid encryption is a technique that combines the strengths of both symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods. In this approach, asymmetric encryption is used primarily to exchange a symmetric key. After the symmetric key has been securely transmitted, symmetric encryption is then employed to encrypt the actual data.

This combination allows for the efficiency of symmetric encryption, which is faster and more suitable for encrypting large amounts of data, while also leveraging the security benefits of asymmetric encryption, which enables secure key exchange without the need to share the symmetric key directly. The result is a more secure and efficient encryption method, which is especially advantageous in scenarios where both confidentiality and performance are essential.

The other options do not accurately describe hybrid encryption; they either focus solely on one type of encryption or misrepresent the nature and purpose of the method.