Encryption Fundamentals
Secure data transmission through cryptographic techniques. Learn how encryption protects digital information.
🔍 Start ReadingThe Role of Encryption
Encryption transforms readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) to prevent unauthorized access. Modern encryption relies on mathematical algorithms to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.
Symmetric Encryption
Uses a single shared key for both encryption and decryption (e.g., AES).
Asymmetric Encryption
Uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption (e.g., RSA).
Encryption Workflow
Step 1: Key Generation
Keys are generated based on the encryption type:
Public Key: RSA-2048 public/private key pair
Step 2: Encryption Process
Data is transformed using cryptographic algorithms:
Encrypted: U2VjdXJlIE1lc3NhZ2U=
Step 3: Key Exchange
Keys are securely shared using protocols like TLS for symmetric encryption or exchanged publicly for asymmetric methods.
Common Encryption Algorithms
Advanced Encryption Standard
Symmetric-key block cipher used by governments and organizations worldwide.
Rivest–Shamir–Adleman
Asymmetric encryption algorithm based on prime factorization complexity.
Elliptic Curve Cryptography
Asymmetric algorithm using elliptic curves for secure key exchange.
Modern Use Cases
Secure Messaging
End-to-end encryption protocols like Signal and WhatsApp use AES for secure communications.
Secure Web Browsing
SSL/TLS protocols use RSA or ECC for secure website connections (https).
Data at Rest
Hard drives and databases use AES-256 for encrypted storage solutions.
Mastering Encryption Techniques
Understanding encryption fundamentals is crucial for securing digital infrastructure. By grasping symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods, developers can implement robust security solutions for modern applications.