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What is encryption?

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Quick answer

Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an unreadable form so only someone with the right key can unlock it. It keeps messages, payments, and passwords private as they travel across the internet. Plain text is converted to 'ciphertext' using a key and an algorithm.

Key things to understand

  1. Plain text is converted to 'ciphertext' using a key and an algorithm.
  2. Only the correct key can decrypt it back to readable form.
  3. Symmetric encryption uses one shared key; asymmetric uses a public/private key pair.
  4. It secures HTTPS websites, messaging apps, and online banking.

People also ask

What's the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?
Symmetric uses one shared secret key; asymmetric uses a public key to encrypt and a private key to decrypt.
Why is encryption important?
It protects sensitive data — passwords, payments, messages — from anyone who intercepts it.
What is end-to-end encryption?
Encryption where only the sender and recipient can read a message — not even the service carrying it.