Information in simple English

Cryptography

Cryptography or Cryptology is the science of converting data into a secure format in order to protect it. The prefix "crypt" means hidden and suffix "graphy" means writing. This procedure, known as encryption and decryption, has been used for millennia to prevent undesired readers from reading handwritten communications. Cryptography is now employed to secure digital data. It is a branch of computer science concerned with changing data into formats that are inaccessible to unauthorised users.

Features

  • Anonymity: confidentiality of information
  • Reliability
  • Authentication
  • Non-repudiation