What is Encryption, and How It Works?

Abeerah Hashim  - Security Expert
Last updated: December 18, 2023
Read time: 20 minutes
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Many of you might have heard the word ‘encryption’ a lot of times. Especially today, when data leaks and breaches have become a commonplace thing, you would have read how various services claim to apply encryption to protect your data.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Many cybersecurity companies have adopted an incredible technology for protecting users’ online data called “encryption.” In this process, the sender’s data pass through specific codes and algorithms, which change the normal information into a coded ciphertext that requires a specific secret key to convert into readable form again. This way, the information remains secured and private until it reaches the destination or receiver. So how the encryption technique actually works? Let’s dig out more about it in this guide.

There are many confusing questions about encryption, including kinds of encryption, how hackers break encryption, and why one should worry about it.

Obviously, unless you are a computer expert or a hacker, you may have no idea what this is all about. But don’t worry, I have got you covered here.

In this ultimate encryption guide, you will get the answers to most questions popping up in your mind. We will discuss what is encryption, encryption types and examples, use cases, and more!

Let’s start.

What is encryption anyway?

To put the encryption definition simply, it is a process that transforms anything from readable into an unreadable form.

That way, the process keeps the information secured from prying eyes.

In technical terms, encryption is the method of encoding certain information so that only certain people can decode it. This information includes everything from a message or email to data files or massive databases.