Cybersecurity
Encryption
Definition
Encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. It scrambles readable text so it can only be read by the person who has the secret code, or decryption key.
Why It Matters
Encryption is the foundation of data privacy and security. It protects sensitive data both when it is being stored (data at rest) and when it is being transmitted over a network (data in transit).
Contextual Example
When you visit a secure website using HTTPS, the data exchanged between your browser and the server is encrypted. This prevents anyone snooping on the network from reading your information.
Common Misunderstandings
- Encryption uses an algorithm (a cipher) and a key to transform data.
- Symmetric encryption uses the same key for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a public key and a private key.