asymmetric key cryptography (AKC)

Secure data transmission coding schemes (such as pretty good privacy or PGP) which use two different digital keys: one for encryption of data, the other for its decryption. In contrast, symmetric key cryptography (SKC) schemes use only one key for both operations. For optimum data security, both types of cryptography are combined in an arrangement where AKC is used for authentication (of the parties and transmission of the digital keys) and SKC is used for bulk of the transmission (because of its comparatively low resource requirements). Also called asymmetric key encryption.