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Encryption is the process of converting plain text into a scrambled, unreadable form known as ciphertext. It is used to protect the confidentiality of data, ensuring that only authorized parties can access it. Encryption uses a mathematical algorithm, called a cipher, to transform the plain text into ciphertext, and a key to specify how the transformation should be performed.
There are two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric.
Symmetric encryption, also known as shared secret encryption, uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. This means that both the sender and the receiver must know and use the same key to communicate securely. Examples of symmetric ciphers include AES and DES.
Asymmetric encryption, also known as public key encryption, uses two different keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt the message, and the private key is used to decrypt it. This means that the sender can use the public key to encrypt the message, and the receiver can use the private key to decrypt it. Asymmetric encryption is more secure than symmetric encryption because it does not require the exchange of a secret key. Examples of asymmetric ciphers include RSA and PGP.
Encryption is an important tool for protecting data and ensuring privacy and security in communication and storage. It is used in a variety of applications, including email, online banking, and secure communication between servers.
