What is Data Encryption?
Data encryption transforms readable data into an encoded format to prevent unauthorized access. Only authorized parties with the decryption key can access the original information. Encryption secures sensitive information, aiding in the protection of data integrity and privacy in the digital world.
How it Works
- Encryption Algorithm: An encryption algorithm processes the data using a key to produce encrypted data. Common algorithms include AES, RSA, and Blowfish.
- Keys: Keys are used for encrypting and decrypting data. They can be symmetric (same key for encryption and decryption) or asymmetric (different keys for encryption and decryption).
- Decryption: This is the reverse process where the encrypted data is converted back to its original form using the correct decryption key.
Encryption in Everyday Life
Encryption plays a critical role in securing online communications. Everyday examples include:
- 🔐 Secure online banking transactions
- 📧 Encrypted emails through SSL/TLS protocols
- 🔍 Secured browsing using HTTPS