What is Encryption?

Encryption in software systems is like sending a secret letter where the message is scrambled into a code. Only someone with the right key can read it. It's a method to protect data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users.

• Basic Concept: Encryption transforms readable data (plaintext) into a scrambled, unreadable format (ciphertext). To turn it back into readable form, you need the correct decryption key.

• Types of Encryption:

  1. Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same key for encrypting and decrypting data