What is Encryption?
Encryption is the process of encoding information so that only authorized parties can access it. It converts plaintext (readable data) into ciphertext (scrambled data) using an encryption algorithm and a key. Only those with the correct decryption key can convert the ciphertext back to plaintext.
Types of Encryption
Symmetric Encryption
- Same key for encryption and decryption
- Fast and efficient
- Examples: AES, ChaCha20
- Challenge: Key distribution
Asymmetric Encryption
- Public key encrypts, private key decrypts
- Enables secure key exchange
- Examples: RSA, ECC
- Slower than symmetric
Hashing (One-way)
- Cannot be reversed
- Used for integrity verification
- Examples: SHA-256, bcrypt
- Password storage
Encryption States
At Rest
- Data stored on disks
- Database encryption
- File system encryption
In Transit
- Data moving over networks
- TLS/SSL for web traffic
- VPN for remote access
In Use
- Data being processed
- Homomorphic encryption
- Confidential computing