a method of converting a plaintext message into an alternate ciphertext message using a known key
a method with which a sender of a document can send the document to a receiver of the document so that nobody intercepting the encrypted message can read it
a set of mathematical steps which converts PLAIN TEXT (information in a form that can easily be read) into CIPHER TEXT
A mathematical procedure for performing encryption on data. Through the use of an algorithm, information is made into meaningless cipher text and requires the use of a key to transform the data back into its original form. Blowfish, AES, RC4, RC5, and RC6 are examples of encryption algorithms.
An algorithm that scrambles the data so that it becomes unreadable to someone who intercepts it.
is a formula used to turn ordinary data, or plaintext, into a secret code known as ciphertext. Each algorithm uses a string of bits known as a key to perform the calculations. The larger the key (the more bits it has), the greater the number of potential patterns that can be created. This makes it harder to break the code and descramble the contents.
An encryption algorithm is any general encryption process which can be specified exactly by choosing a key.
A formula or set of steps for encrypting data sent over the Internet. Encryption is the most effective way to achieve data security. The data is translated into a kind of secret code by the algorithm, and then sent out. The recipient must then identify themselves and run the same algorithm to decrypt it. In most consumer level products this all happens invisibly. Credit card numbers and customer information are commonly encrypted.
A mathematical algorithm, such as DES or TwoFish, for encrypting and decrypting data. An encryption algorithm is one element of an encryption scheme.