What is encryption? And how does it work?
Encryption is a process
that encodes a message or file so that it can be only be read by certain
people. Encryption uses an algorithm to scramble, or encrypt, data and then
uses a key for the receiving party to unscramble, or decrypt, the information.
The message contained in an encrypted message is referred to as plaintext. In
its encrypted, unreadable form it is referred to as ciphertext.
Basic forms of encryption
may be as simple as switching letters. As cryptography advanced, cryptographers
added more steps, and decryption became more difficult. Wheels and gears would
be combined to create complex encryption systems. Computer algorithms have now
replaced mechanical encryption.
How does it work?
Encryption uses algorithms to scramble your information. It
is then transmitted to the receiving party, who is able to decode the message
with a key. There are many types of algorithms, which all involve different
ways of scrambling and then decrypting information.
When we use the Internet,
we're not always just clicking around and passively taking in information, such
as reading news articles or blog posts -- a great deal of our time online
involves sending others our own information. Ordering something over the
Internet, whether it's a book, a CD or anything else from an online vendor, or
signing up for an online account, requires entering in a good deal of sensitive
personal information. A typical transaction might include not only our names,
e-mail addresses and physical address and phone number, but also passwords and personal
identification numbers (PINs).
The incredible growth of
the Internet has excited businesses and consumers alike with its promise of
changing the way we live and work. It's extremely easy to buy and sell goods
all over the world while sitting in front of a laptop. But security is a major
concern on the Internet, especially when you're using it to send sensitive
information between parties.
Resources:
1-https://gpgtools.tenderapp.com/kb/how-to/introduction-to-cryptography
2-https://www.androidauthority.com/encryption-gary-explains-712802/
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