Cryptography is the process of hiding or coding
information so that only the person a message was intended
for can read it. The art of cryptography has been used to
code messages for thousands of years and continues to be
used in bank cards, computer passwords, and ecommerce.
Modern cryptography techniques include algorithms
and ciphers that enable the encryption and decryption
of information, such as 128?bit and 256?bit encryption
keys. Modern ciphers, such as the Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES), are considered virtually unbreakable.
A common cryptography definition is the practice
of coding information to ensure only the person that
a message was written for can read and process the
information. This cybersecurity practice, also known as
cryptology, combines various disciplines like computer
science, engineering, and mathematics to create
complex codes that hide the true meaning of a message.
Cryptography can be traced all the way back to ancient
Egyptian hieroglyphics but remains vital to securing
communication and information in transit and preventing
it from being read by untrusted parties. It uses algorithms
and mathematical concepts to transform messages
into difficult?to?decipher codes through techniques like
cryptographic keys and digital signing to protect data
privacy, credit card transactions, email, and web browsing.
Cryptography remains important to protecting data
and users, ensuring confidentiality, and preventing cyber
criminals from intercepting sensitive corporate information.
Individuals and organizations use cryptography on a daily
basis to protect their privacy and keep their conversations
and data confidential. The technique ensures confidentiality
by encrypting sent messages using an algorithm with a
key only known to the sender and recipient. A common
example of this is the messaging tool WhatsApp, which
encrypts conversations between people to ensure they
cannot be hacked or intercepted. It also secures browsing,
such as with virtual private networks (VPNs), which use
encrypted tunnels, asymmetric encryption, and public and
private shared keys.
Similar to how cryptography can confirm
the authenticity of a message, it can also prove the
integrity of the information being sent and received. The
technology also ensures information is not altered while
in storage or during transit between the sender and the
intended recipient. For example, digital signatures can
detect forgery or tampering in software distribution and financial transactions.Cryptography confirms accountability and
responsibility from the sender of a message, which means
they cannot later deny their intentions when they created
or transmitted information. Digital signatures are a good
example of this, as they ensure a sender cannot claim
a message, contract, or document they created to be
fraudulent. Furthermore, in email nonrepudiation, email
tracking makes sure the sender cannot deny sending a
message and a recipient cannot deny receiving it.
There are many types of cryptographic algorithms
available. They vary in complexity and security, depending
on the type of communication and the sensitivity of the
information being shared.
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