- Simple Explanation: Converting data into a secure format to prevent unauthorized access or interception.
- Example: Using a password to encrypt a document so that only those with the correct password can read it.
- Advanced Explanation: The process of converting plaintext information into ciphertext through mathematical algorithms to ensure confidentiality and data security.
- Additional Resources: Encryption 101 by Norton
- Wikipedia Link: Encryption
Encryption is the process of transforming information into a form that cannot be understood by unauthorized people, while the transformation can be reversed by authorized people. It is often used to protect data from unauthorized access and theft. There are two main types of encryption: symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption.
- Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, such as the same password or a private key. This makes it easier to implement but less secure than asymmetric encryption.
- Asymmetric encryption uses different keys for encryption and decryption, known as public key and private key. This makes it more secure than symmetric encryption, but also more computationally expensive.