Cryptography Definition
Cryptography is the practice and study of secure communication in the presence of adversaries. It is a method of protecting information by transforming it into an unreadable format, allowing the information to be securely transmitted or stored, and then read only by those with the secrets to revert it back to its original form.
Cryptography Key Points
- Refers to secure communication techniques.
- Protects information by making it unreadable without a decryption key.
- Essential in securing online transactions and communications.
- Pivotal for cryptocurrency and blockchain functioning.
What is Cryptography?
Cryptography is a scientific technique of information security where data is converted into code or ciphertext that can only be accessed and deciphered back into plain text by those for whom the information is intended. It’s about constructing and analyzing protocols that prevent third parties from accessing private information, providing data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.
Who uses Cryptography?
Cryptography is utilized by individuals and organizations alike. It’s largely used by financial institutions, military, corporations, and governments to protect sensitive data. In recent years, with the surge of digital currencies, it’s also become an integral part of the coding behind cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Where is Cryptography used?
Cryptography is extensively employed wherever secure data transmissions are required. It is used in web browsers, e-commerce, confidential emails, password authentication systems, cloud storage systems, and more. In the world of digital currency, cryptography is used to secure transactions, control the creation of additional units, and verify the asset transfer.
Why is Cryptography important?
Cryptography is paramount in today’s digital age where data breach and cyber threats are common occurrences. It ensures that sensitive information doesn’t fall into wrong hands by making it unreadable to anyone unauthorised. In blockchain technology, it ensures privacy, security, and consistency of the entire blockchain, playing a key role in the creation and management of cryptocurrencies.
How does Cryptography work?
Cryptography works by converting plain, intelligible data into a complex code through encryption, rendering it unintelligible to those without the decryption key. With the key, the receiver can decrypt the data back to its original form. In terms of blockchain, cryptographic hash functions are used. These are mathematical algorithms that take input and return a string of characters, a digital signature, validating the legitimacy of transactions.
Cryptography thus provides authentic, uncompromisable communication in a hostile environment setting the foundation of secure online communication and transactions.
