decrypts

Decrypts refers to the action of converting ciphertext back into plaintext, restoring the original information. It is the inverse operation of encryption, the process used to protect confidentiality by making data unreadable to unauthorized parties. In cryptography, decryption enables authorized recipients to recover the intended message.

The decryption process relies on a decryption algorithm and a key. In symmetric encryption, the same secret key is used to both encrypt and decrypt data. In asymmetric (public-key) cryptography, data encrypted with a public key is decrypted with the corresponding private key, allowing secure communication without sharing a decryption key in advance. Some systems also support decryption using symmetric and asymmetric components together as part of a larger protocol.

Correct decryption requires the correct combination of algorithm, key, and intact ciphertext. If the ciphertext is altered, the wrong key is used, or the algorithm is mismatched, decryption can fail or produce unintelligible output. Many modern schemes provide integrity protections or authentication features to detect tampering before decryption, reducing the risk of processing corrupted data.

Decrypts play a central role in securing communications and data storage. They are used in protocols and standards such as TLS for online traffic, encrypted email, and encrypted storage systems. Common decryption approaches include symmetric algorithms like AES and asymmetric ones like RSA or elliptic-curve cryptography, often employed alongside integrity checks to ensure data remains both confidential and authentic.