Krüptograafiate

Krüptograafiate, commonly referred to as cryptography, is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversaries. It involves methods to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information. At its core, cryptography transforms readable data, known as plaintext, into an unreadable format called ciphertext through a process called encryption. This ciphertext can only be reverted back to plaintext through a reverse process called decryption, typically requiring a secret key.

There are two main types of cryptographic systems: symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography. In symmetric-key systems, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. This method is generally faster but requires secure key exchange between parties. Public-key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography, uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key can be freely shared, while the private key must be kept secret. This system eliminates the need for prior secure key exchange.

Cryptography plays a crucial role in modern digital security. It underpins the security of online transactions, secure messaging, digital signatures, and many other applications that rely on protecting sensitive information. The ongoing development of cryptographic algorithms and protocols is essential to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure the continued security of digital communications and data.