What Is Encryption?
In our increasingly digital world, data is more valuable than ever. From personal emails to financial transactions, sensitive information is constantly in motion. That’s where encryption comes into play. Encryption is the process of converting readable data ( plaintext ) into an unreadable format ( ciphertext ) to prevent unauthorized access. Only those with a secret key can decrypt and read the information. In this blog, we'll break down how encryption works, explore its different types, discuss real-world applications, and highlight why it's a fundamental part of modern cybersecurity. How Does Encryption Work? Encryption uses mathematical algorithms to scramble information. Here’s a basic rundown: Plaintext: Original, readable data (e.g., "Hello World!") Ciphertext: Encrypted, unreadable data (e.g., "7*#0+gvU2x") Key: A code used to encrypt and decrypt data Using a specific algorithm, the plaintext is transformed into ciphertext. When the intended reci...