What is Encryption?

Understanding Encryption

The process of converting the message from its plaintext to ciphertext. Encryption is the cryptographic process of transforming readable data plaintext into an unintelligible form ciphertext using an algorithm and key. It protects information confidentiality by ensuring only authorized parties with the correct decryption key can access the original content. Encryption standards include AES, RSA, ECC, and are specified in documents like FIPS 197 and NIST SP 800-38. Organizations implement encryption for data at rest storage, data in transit communications, and increasingly for data in use secure enclaves, using hardware and software solutions. For example, a healthcare organization might encrypt patient records on servers at rest, use TLS for web traffic in transit, and implement database column-level encryption to protect sensitive fields even during processing. Related terms: Cryptography, Decryption, Cipher, Key management, Data protection, End-to-end encryption, Transport encryption.