Which of the following is a symmetric encryption algorithm?

3DES (Triple Data Encryption Standard) is a symmetric encryption algorithm. It uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, distinguishing it from asymmetric algorithms. Symmetric Encryption Overview: Symmetric encryption uses a single key shared between the sender and receiver for encrypting and decrypting data. 3DES Mechanism: 3DES encrypts data three times using the DES algorithm with three different keys, enhancing security over the original DES. Comparison with Other Options: MD5: Not an encryption algorithm; it’s a cryptographic hash function. ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) and RSA: Both are asymmetric algorithms, using separate public and private keys. Applications: Widely used in financial services, although increasingly replaced by more secure algorithms like AES. EC-Council CISO Reference: Encryption Fundamentals: EC-Council identifies 3DES as a legacy symmetric encryption method, suitable for understanding encryption evolution. Security Practices: Guidance on transitioning from 3DES to modern algorithms aligns with EC- Council’s focus on advanced security.