What is Cryptography?
Cryptography is the science and art of securing information by transforming it into a format that can only be read or deciphered by authorized parties. At its core, cryptography uses mathematical techniques to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data. The word “cryptography” originates from the Greek words kryptos, meaning hidden, and graphia, meaning writing, literally meaning “hidden writing.”
Cryptography is essential for ensuring secure communications, especially in the digital world. As data is transmitted over open, potentially insecure networks (like the internet), cryptographic techniques safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access or tampering. The two main goals of cryptography are:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring that only authorized users can read the data.
- Integrity: Ensuring that the data has not been altered or tampered with during transmission.
Additionally, cryptography plays a role in proving identity and ensuring non-repudiation (i.e., the sender cannot deny sending the message).