🔐Encryption

NEW

The process of transforming plaintext into ciphertext using algorithms and keys to protect confidentiality from unauthorized access.

DESCRIPTION

Encryption protects data confidentiality at rest, in transit, and sometimes in use. It uses cryptographic algorithms and keys to convert readable data into ciphertext. Implementations include symmetric ciphers (e.g., AES) and asymmetric schemes (e.g., RSA, ECC). Robust key management, rotation, and access control are essential to avoid compromise. Standards like TLS secure communications, while disk and column encryption protect storage. Compliance frameworks often mandate strong encryption and lifecycle controls.

ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS

NIST CSRC

The process of transforming plaintext into ciphertext using a cryptographic algorithm and key.

Concise, standards-oriented definition highlighting algorithm and key use.

Source

Cisco

Encryption is the process of transforming data so that only authorized parties can understand it.

Emphasizes confidentiality and authorized access.

Source

Cloudflare

Encryption is the method by which information is converted into secret code that hides the information’s true meaning.

Accessible explanation focusing on hiding meaning via secret code.

Source

RELATED TERMS

Data Encryption Decryption Cipher Key Management TLS Rijndael RSA Digital Signature Key Exchange

COMPETING TERMS

Tokenization Hashing Encoding

RELATIONS

• Narrower: Asymmetric Encryption Authenticated Encryption Data Encryption End-to-End Encryption Envelope Encryption Full Disk Encryption Homomorphic Encryption Symmetric Encryption Unbreakable Encryption Wi-Fi Encryption

KNOWLEDGE AREAS

Data Security Data Privacy & Compliance Infrastructure Cloud

TARGET AUDIENCE

Software Developer DevOps Engineer Cloud Architect Data Engineer Data Architect Data Governance Manager Chief Technology Officer Chief Information Officer

EXTERNAL SOURCES

• Wikipedia - Encryption
• NIST - Key management recommendations
• OWASP - Secure cryptographic storage guidance
• IETF - TLS 1.3 protocol specification

TOP QUESTIONS

What are the main types of Encryption?

Symmetric encryption uses one key; asymmetric uses public/private key pairs. Hybrid schemes combine both for performance and key exchange.

Category: Overview

What mistakes commonly weaken Encryption?

Using outdated algorithms, weak keys, poor randomness, or custom crypto, and mishandling keys are frequent, critical errors.

Category: Mistakes

What risks remain after applying Encryption?

Compromised keys, endpoint compromise, side-channel attacks, and metadata leakage can still expose sensitive information.

Category: Risk

How does Encryption relate to compliance?

Standards like PCI DSS and GDPR encourage or mandate strong encryption for sensitive data, with controls for key management and access.

Category: Governance

When should Encryption be used at rest vs in transit?

Use both: encrypt data at rest (storage, backups) and in transit (TLS) to mitigate different threat vectors.

Category: Requirements

Is Hashing the same as Encryption?

No. Hashing is one-way for integrity; encryption is reversible for confidentiality with proper keys.

Category: Misunderstanding

How do I choose algorithms for Encryption?

Favor vetted standards: AES-GCM for symmetric and TLS 1.3 for transport; use modern curves for asymmetric like P-256 or X25519.

Category: Best practices

What is key management in Encryption?

It covers key generation, storage (e.g., HSM/KMS), rotation, access control, and destruction to protect cryptographic material.

Category: Overview

How does Encryption affect performance?

Modern hardware acceleration reduces overhead, but careful cipher mode and key size choices balance security with latency.

Category: Performance