Encryption

Encryption is a process of converting plain text into cipher text with the help of mathematical algorithms and keys. The primary purpose of encryption is to protect sensitive data and ensure its confidentiality; however, it also supports achieving other aspects of security, such as integrity and availability.

Encryption works by taking a plain text message and using an encryption algorithm to convert it into cipher text. This cipher text can only be deciphered using a key that is known only to the intended recipient(s). The key is nothing but a very long prime number that is generated by the encryption algorithm or by a key management system.

Types of encryption

There are two main types of encryption, as follows:

• Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption. It is faster and more efficient than asymmetric encryption, but it requires the key to be securely shared between the sender and the recipient. The following diagram illustrates...