Encryption

Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access.

What is Encryption?

Encryption converts plaintext data into ciphertext using a mathematical algorithm and key, making it unreadable to anyone without the decryption key. It's fundamental to data protection and secure communications.

Encryption Types

Symmetric Encryption: Same key for encrypt/decrypt (AES, ChaCha20)
Asymmetric Encryption: Public/private key pairs (RSA, ECC)
Hybrid: Combines both (TLS uses asymmetric for key exchange, symmetric for data)

Encryption at Rest vs In Transit

At Rest: Protecting stored data (disk encryption, database encryption)
In Transit: Protecting data in motion (TLS, VPN)

Common Misconceptions

"Encryption is unbreakable" - Depends on algorithm, key length, implementation
"HTTPS encrypts everything" - Just the transport, not server-side
"Encryption equals security" - Part of broader strategy