Definition:
Cryptography is the practice of securing information by converting it into a coded format that only authorized parties can read.
Ensures Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication, and Non-repudiation of data
Converts plaintext (readable data) into ciphertext (encoded data)
Decryption reverses the process to recover the original data
Symmetric Key Cryptography
Uses a single key for encryption and decryption
Fast but key must be shared securely
Example: AES, DES
Asymmetric Key Cryptography
Uses public key for encryption and private key for decryption
More secure, slower than symmetric
Example: RSA, ECC
Hash Functions
Converts data into a fixed-length hash value
One-way function; cannot be decrypted
Example: SHA-256, MD5
Secure online transactions
Email encryption
Digital signatures
Data integrity verification
Conclusion:
Cryptography is the foundation of secure communication in modern digital systems.
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