What is encryption and how does it work?

Encryption is a method of securing digital data by converting it into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It works by using algorithms and cryptographic keys to transform readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext). Only those who possess the correct key can decrypt the data back into its original, readable form.

The process of encryption and decryption typically involves the following steps:

1. Encryption Process:

– A user or system wants to send secure data.

– An encryption algorithm transforms the plaintext data into ciphertext using an encryption key. This key is a long string of bits that is used to scramble the data in a way that is difficult to decode without the corresponding key.

– The encrypted data (ciphertext) can then be safely transmitted or stored, as it is unreadable and meaningless without the decryption key.

2. Decryption Process:

– The recipient needs to have the corresponding decryption key, which could be the same as the encryption key (symmetric encryption) or a different one (asymmetric encryption).

– Using the decryption key and the corresponding encryption algorithm in reverse, the recipient can convert the ciphertext back into its original plaintext form.

Types of Encryption:
1. Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. This method is faster but requires that both the sender and the receiver have the same key, which can pose a challenge for secure key exchange.

2. Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys