hybrid encryption

An application of cryptography that combines two or more encryption algorithms, particularly a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Examples: digital envelope, MSP, PEM, PGP. (Compare: superencryption.)

Tutorial: Asymmetric algorithms require more computation than equivalently strong symmetric ones. Thus, asymmetric encryption is not normally used for data confidentiality except to distribute a symmetric key in a hybrid encryption scheme, where the symmetric key is usually very short (in terms of bits) compared to the data file it protects. (See: bulk key.)