learn/cryptography

Cryptography is the art and science of protecting information. It involves techniques and protocols to secure data and communications against unauthorized access and tampering. Here are some key concepts in cryptography:

Basic Concepts

Encryption: The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext to prevent unauthorized access.
Decryption: The process of converting ciphertext back into plaintext.
Hashing: A way to create a unique, fixed-size string from an input of any size. It is commonly used for password storage.
Digital Signatures: A method to verify the authenticity and integrity of a message.

Types of Cryptography

Symmetric Key Cryptography: Uses a single key for both encryption and decryption.
Asymmetric Key Cryptography: Uses a pair of keys – a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): A framework that uses public key cryptography to provide secure communications over an insecure channel.

Applications

Cryptography is used in various fields, including:

Secure Communication: Protecting emails, instant messages, and phone calls.
Data Storage: Ensuring that data stored on devices or in the cloud remains secure.
Authentication: Verifying the identity of users and devices.

Learn More

To dive deeper into cryptography, check out our Cryptography Tutorial.