Cryptography
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Advances in computer technology have made data more accessible, and although this is a major benefit, it also has a drawback. Data on the internet is vulnerable to a variety of risks, including theft and corruption. One approach that has made it possible to shield information from some of the hazards involved with data storage and delivery is cryptography (or cryptology). This is not to imply that encrypting data is a novel notion. People have been concealing communications since before the internet era to avoid undesired audiences from reading them. However, the rising usage of digital devices has elevated the science of encryption to new heights.
Cryptography can be defined as the study of how to make data difficult to decipher. Today's cryptography, on the other hand, relies on mathematical theory and computation to protect the integrity and authenticity of data during transmission or storage.
Text encryption is the process of converting plaintext (data that can be read) into ciphertext (data that cannot be read) (which is unreadable). Using this method, one can ensure that only those with a specific decryption key can access the information supplied.
Using specialized cryptographic algorithms, one can communicate sensitive data even over networks that are not secure. The amount of encryption is determined by the data's need for security. Cryptocurrency networks, for example, require a different form of protection than personal files like phone numbers and email addresses.
Understanding the workings of cryptography is essential if one is to appreciate its significance in cryptocurrency systems. To work as a decentralized and public ledger, most blockchain systems, like Bitcoin's, employ a certain set of cryptographic algorithms. This ensures that digital transactions are safe and secure.
The modern cryptography consists of various areas of study, but some of the most relevant are the ones that deal with , , , and .