Shifrë

Shifrë is the Albanian term for a cipher or code. In cryptography, a shifrë is the method by which information (plaintext) is transformed into an unreadable form (ciphertext) to protect its secrecy, and the reverse process is decryption. A shifrë typically comprises an algorithm and a key (çelësi) that governs how the transformation is performed.

Shifrë systems have been used to hide messages, with classical examples such as substitution ciphers (including the Caesar cipher) and transposition ciphers.

Today, shifrë refers to algorithms used for digital data, including symmetric-key ciphers and public-key ciphers. Distinctions exist between block ciphers and stream ciphers.

Shifrë is fundamental to secure communications, online commerce, data privacy, and digital security. It underlies secure protocols used for web traffic, email, and file protection, and is continually analyzed by cryptanalysts to identify weaknesses and improve security.

Etymology: The term shifrë derives from Turkish şifre, which itself comes from Arabic sifr, and ultimately from Latin cifra.