Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format to prevent unauthorized access. This transformation uses algorithms and encryption keys to scramble the original information (plaintext) into an unreadable form (ciphertext). Only those with the correct decryption key can revert the ciphertext back to its original plaintext form. Encryption is widely used to secure sensitive data, such as personal information, financial transactions, and communications, both at rest (stored data) and in transit (data being transmitted). Common encryption methods include symmetric encryption (same key for encryption and decryption) and asymmetric encryption (different keys for encryption and decryption).
