What is encryption?

Encryption is the process of encoding data or a message so that it cannot be understood by anyone other than its intended recipient. Within data processing in a computer, encryption means that data can be stored and transmitted securely by the sending computer to the receiving computer. The data or message is encrypted using an encryption algorithm and decrypted on the other end by a decryption algorithm both which are kept secure.

Encryption is a way of securing data; it is done by encoding the data (plain text) into a cipher. This allows for the data to be sent publicly however only those with the correct encryption key will be able to read it.

There are 2 main types of encryption: Symmetric and Asymmetric.

In Symmetric encryption the same key is used to code and decode the data.

In Asymmetric encryption there are 2 keys, one public and one private. If you want to send data to someone you can use their public key to encrypt the data. then when they receive the ciphertext they use their private key to decode the data.

Encryption is converting the readable code to some unreadable thing by using special symbols for the security reasons.

Encryption is to make data secure so that it cannot be read by outside sources.

Encryption is the process to convert data to incomprehensible text called cipher text. It is used to avoid unauthorized access to data. The cipher text is converted back to the human-readable data by using key.

Encryption is the process to convert data to incomprehensible text called cipher text. It is used to avoid unauthorized access to data. The cipher text is converted back to the human-readable data by using key.

Scrambling of information so it cannot be understood without the decryption key

1. Conversion: Encryption involves transforming plaintext (original data) into ciphertext (encoded data) using a mathematical algorithm or cipher. This process makes the data appear as random characters to anyone who doesn't have the decryption key.
2. Key: A key is a crucial component of encryption. It's a piece of information (often a string of bits) that is used in conjunction with the encryption algorithm. There are two main types of encryption:
3. Security: Encryption ensures data confidentiality by making it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to understand the encrypted message without the correct key. Modern encryption methods are designed to be highly secure and resistant to decryption without the key, even with the most powerful computers.
4. Use Cases: Encryption is widely used in various applications, such as secure communication (e.g., HTTPS for web browsing), data protection (e.g., encrypting files or emails), and securing sensitive information like credit card details during online transactions.
5. Examples: One classic example is the use of encryption in HTTPS, which secures your online transactions and data transfers. When you visit a secure website, your browser and the web server exchange encryption keys and then encrypt the data that passes between them. Without the correct keys, intercepting this data would yield only gibberish.

In summary, encryption is a fundamental concept in computer security and data protection. It converts data into an unreadable form, ensuring that only authorized individuals with the correct decryption key can access the original information.

Conversation of plain text into cipher text. A key is required to encrypt and decrypt the message.