Encryption and decryption convert electronic data into ciphertext, which is difficult to read, and back to its original form using a key. It is used to protect sensitive data during electronic transactions and interactions with government agencies. Secure transmissions are indicated by a closed padlock and “https” in the address bar. Encryption is also used by governments for internal security.
Encryption and decryption refer to the password-based conversion of electronic information or data into what is known as ciphertext or a form that makes reading extremely difficult, and returning the same data back to its original form which could be plain text. Ciphertext is what results from data being “passed through” or processed by ciphers that could simply replace the letters of an alphabet with numbers or totally manipulate the arrangement of the data through algorithms. Sometimes the rearranged data is called codetext, but “code” is the simple representation of the signals, whether that representation is kept secret or not. Morse code is an example that could be called code but not ciphertext. The process of converting data to its original form is ideally accomplished using a key, commonly known as a password, but it is also possible to use highly sophisticated software to discover the key or analyze the data to restore it to its original form, whether it was text normal or audio.
There are many reasons for the use of encryption and decryption, such as to protect sensitive data that is transmitted to complete electronic transactions such as online purchases of goods or services, and for interacting with government agencies that require the sending of private information. When a consumer purchases a product or service from an e-commerce business, simply known as e-commerce, they enter their billing address and credit card details into an online form to submit this data for processing. Encryption and decryption should always be working in such situations to protect the buyer’s financial information.
The secure transmission of financial information is so important that most web browsers indicate whether a connection is secure by displaying an open padlock for insecure transmissions and a closed padlock for secure transactions. The background color of the address bar could also change, and either way, consumers should never send any data that, if intercepted, could lead to identity theft or financial ruin. The letters “https” should appear in the address bar even if there is no other indication that the data is secure.
Wireless data transmissions are particularly vulnerable to interception and reading by unauthorized individuals, but the communication of sensitive data over wired networks is also somewhat insecure. Legitimate e-commerce companies and government offices are not the only users of encryption and decryption. Officials of some governments that have a strong interest in internal security, such as the United States, believe that terrorist groups could use encryption and decryption for secret international communications.
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