Encryption

Encryption is the process of converting readable data (Plaintext) into an unreadable form (Ciphertext) using an algorithm and a key, so that only someone with the right key can read it. The reverse process is Decryption.

There are two main types:

• Symmetric Cryptography: the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt.
• Asymmetric Cryptography, also known as Public Key Encryption: a public key is used to encrypt, and a private key to decrypt.

See Cryptography.