Which of the following statements about asymmetric encryption is true?

Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This approach is computationally intensive compared to symmetric encryption due to the complexity of algorithms like RSA and ECC. While asymmetric encryption provides enhanced security and key management, its slower performance makes it less suitable for bulk data encryption. Instead, it is often used for key exchange, digital signatures, and secure sessions. Why Other Options Are Incorrect: 1. It uses the same key for encryption and decryption: False; asymmetric encryption uses two distinct keys. 2. It does not require a public key: False; the public key is essential for encryption. 3. It cannot be used for digital signatures: False; asymmetric encryption forms the basis for digital signatures. 4. It is less secure than symmetric encryption: False; asymmetric encryption is generally more secure due to its two-key mechanism. Asymmetric encryption's trade-off between security and performance makes it a foundational technology in modern cryptography.