![Crypto Terms Glossary: What is Asymmetric Encryption? Crypto Terms Glossary: What is Asymmetric Encryption?](/img/145/75/what-is-asymmetric-encryption-sm.webp)
Asymmetric encryption is a cryptographic system that uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key can be shared with anyone, while the private key is meant to be kept secret to maintain security. Asymmetric encryption is considered more secure than symmetric encryption, which uses one key for both encryption and decryption. The Bitcoin network uses asymmetric encryption.