Understanding RSA vs. AES: Which Encryption Should You Use?

#security #encryption #privacy #php

In today’s digitally connected world, encryption is the backbone of secure communication. But not all encryption algorithms are created equal—especially when it comes to RSA and AES. So, how do you choose between them? This post breaks it down for developers, security enthusiasts, and curious learners alike.

** What Is RSA?**
RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is a widely used asymmetric encryption algorithm. It uses two separate keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

** Key Characteristics:**
Based on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers.

Ideal for secure key exchange, digital signatures, and authentication.

Typically slower and computationally heavier than symmetric encryption.
What Is AES?
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm, meaning the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt data.

** Key Characteristics:**
Operates on blocks of data using substitution-permutation networks.

Extremely fast and lightweight—perfect for bulk data encryption.

Used in everything from Wi-Fi security (WPA2/WPA3) to encrypted messaging apps.