Encryptering

Encryptering is the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. This is achieved using an algorithm, known as a cipher, which scrambles the original data, making it unintelligible to anyone without the correct decryption key. The original, readable data is called plaintext, and the scrambled data is called ciphertext.

There are two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption. This key must be securely shared between the sender and receiver. Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key cryptography, uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key can be shared freely, while the private key must be kept secret.

Encryption is a fundamental tool for ensuring data security and privacy in various applications, including secure communication over the internet (like HTTPS), protecting sensitive files, and securing digital transactions. The strength of encryption depends on the complexity of the algorithm used and the length of the key. More complex algorithms and longer keys generally make it harder to break the encryption without the correct key.