encryption
<algorithm, cryptography> Any procedure used in cryptography to convert
plaintext into ciphertext (encrypted message) in order to prevent any but the
intended recipient from reading that data.
Schematically, there are two classes of encryption primitives: public-key
cryptography and private-key cryptography; they are generally used
complementarily. Public-key encryption algorithms include RSA; private-key
algorithms include the obsolescent Data Encryption Standard, the Advanced
Encryption Standard, as well as RC4.
The Unix command crypt performs a weak form of encryption. Stronger encryption
programs include Pretty Good Privacy and the GNU Privacy Guard.
Other closely related aspects of cryptograph include message digests.
(2003-04-12)
Nearby terms:
encapsulation « encode « encoder « encryption
» -endian » endless loop » End Of Line
|
