Glossary · Intelligence · Legal

Cryptography

Intelligence · Legal

Cryptography is the science and art of protecting information through techniques that transform readable messages (plain text) into encrypted messages (cipher text) to hide their real content.

Cryptography is the science and art of protecting information through techniques that transform readable messages (plain text) into encrypted messages (cipher text) to hide their real content.

Historically, cryptography has been essential in protecting military, government, and commercial communications, but in the digital age, its importance has grown exponentially, extending to the protection of personal data, financial transactions, and more.

To decrypt encrypted content back into clear text, a key is required that only the legitimate sender and receiver know. As cryptographic algorithms and methods evolve, so do attempts to break them, resulting in a constant arms race between cryptographers and attackers.

Related terms Cyber intelligence Cyber intelligence refers to the action of collecting and analyzing information about capabilities, intentions and activities in cyberspace, with the aim of preventing, detecting and responding to cyber threats. Decision making Decision-making is the process through which an individual, team or organisation identifies a problem or opportunity, evaluates alternative courses of action and selects one option to implement. Disinformation Disinformation refers to the intentional dissemination of false or misleading information. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is defined as the ability to deliver an integrated set of business applications.