Encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. It is used to protect sensitive data during transmission or storage by transforming it into an unreadable format. Only authorized users, who possess a secret key or password, can decrypt the data and restore it to its original, readable form.
Encryption is widely used in various fields like online communication, banking, and personal data protection. The main goal of encryption is to ensure that even if the data is intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties, it remains secure and unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.
There are two main types of encryption:
- Symmetric Encryption: The same key is used for both encryption and decryption. The challenge is securely sharing the key between the sender and receiver.
- Asymmetric Encryption: This uses two different keys—a public key (which is shared with everyone) for encryption, and a private key (which is kept secret) for decryption. This method is commonly used in secure communications, such as SSL/TLS for websites.
Encryption is an essential part of maintaining privacy and security in the digital world.