Encryption
The process of converting plaintext data into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using mathematical algorithms and keys. Encryption protects data confidentiality at rest, in transit, and in use.
Extended Explanation
Encryption is fundamental to modern cybersecurity. Symmetric encryption (AES) uses a single key for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption (RSA) uses a public-private key pair. Organizations should encrypt sensitive data both at rest (stored data) and in transit (network communications). Key management is critical, as compromised encryption keys render encryption ineffective.
Related Terms
Data Breach
data-protectionAn incident where sensitive, protected, or confidential data is accessed, disclosed, or stolen by unauthorized individua...
Hashing
data-protectionA one-way function that converts input data into a fixed-length string of characters. Unlike encryption, hashing cannot...
TLS/SSL
network-securityTransport Layer Security (TLS) and its predecessor Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are cryptographic protocols that provide s...