Encryption

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Encryption

Encryption (pronunciation: /ɛnˈkrɪpʃən/) is a process used to convert plaintext or any other form of data in a readable format into a coded format that can only be read or processed after it's been decrypted.

Etymology

The term 'Encryption' is derived from the Greek word 'kryptos', which means hidden or secret. The concept of encryption has been used for centuries, dating back to the time of Julius Caesar.

Types of Encryption

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

  • Symmetric encryption is a type of encryption where the same key is used for encryption and decryption.
  • Asymmetric encryption, also known as public key encryption, uses two different keys for encryption and decryption.

Related Terms

  • Cryptography: The study of secure communication techniques in the presence of third parties.
  • Cipher: An algorithm for performing encryption or decryption.
  • Key (cryptography): A piece of information that determines the functional output of a cryptographic algorithm.
  • Decryption: The process of converting encrypted data back into its original form.
  • Hash function: A function that can be used to map data of arbitrary size to fixed size values.

See Also

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