What type of encryption is used during the initial setup of an HTTPS connection?

The correct choice is asymmetric encryption, which plays a critical role during the initial phases of establishing an HTTPS connection. When a client (like a web browser) initiates a secure connection to a server, two key pairs are involved: the server's public key and the client's private key.

Asymmetric encryption is utilized for the key exchange mechanism that leads to the establishment of a secure session. The server shares its public key with the client, which the client uses to encrypt communication back to the server. This method enhances security because only the server, which possesses the corresponding private key, can decrypt the information sent by the client.

Once this secure exchange is successfully completed, the session can switch to symmetric encryption for the duration of that connection. Symmetric encryption is faster and more efficient for transmitting large volumes of data. However, the initial handshake and key exchange rely on the principles of asymmetric encryption to ensure secure communication without the risk of eavesdropping or interception.

Understanding the process of asymmetric encryption leading into symmetric encryption is essential for grasping how secure web communications are established and maintained.