What is encryption?
Encryption is a way of scrambling data so that only authorized parties can understand the information. In technical terms, it is the process of converting plaintext to ciphertext. In simpler terms, encryption takes readable data and alters it so that it appears random. Encryption requires the use of an encryption key: a set of mathematical values that both the sender and the recipient of an encrypted message know.
Although encrypted data appears random, encryption proceeds in a logical, predictable way, so that a party receiving the encrypted data and in possession of the key used to encrypt the data can decrypt the data, turning it back into plaintext. Truly secure encryption will be complex enough that a third party is highly unlikely to decrypt the ciphertext by brute force – in other words, by guessing
What is an encryption algorithm?
An encryption algorithm is the mathematical formula used to transform data into ciphertext. An algorithm will use the key in order to alter the data in a predictable way, so that even though the encrypted data will appear random, it can be turned back into plain text by using the key again.
What is the key of cryptographic?
A cryptographic key is a string of characters used within an encryption algorithm for altering data so that it appears random. Like a physical key, it locks (encrypts) data so that only someone with the right key can unlock (decrypt) it
What are some common encryption algorithms?
- Commonly used encryption algorithms include:
- Blowfish
- AES
- RC4, RC5, RC6
- DES
- Twofish
