ENCIPHERMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Encipherment, also known as encryption, is the process of converting plaintext or readable data into a secret code or cipher text to protect it from unauthorized access or interception. It is a fundamental concept used in the field of cryptography, which is concerned with securing the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information.
During the encipherment process, algorithms and mathematical operations are employed to transform the original message or data into an alternative representation, which is typically a combination of random characters or symbols. This transformation is performed based on a key or a series of keys, which serve as a set of rules or instructions guiding the encryption process. Encipherment aims to make the message indecipherable to anyone except those possessing the corresponding key or keys.
Encipherment is used for various purposes across different industries, including secure communication, data protection, and authentication. By encrypting data, individuals or organizations can ensure that even if their information falls into the wrong hands, it remains unreadable and useless. Furthermore, enciphered data can be safely sent over communication networks, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and cannot be intercepted by unauthorized parties.
In summary, encipherment is a process of converting plaintext information into a secret code, making it unintelligible to unauthorized individuals. It is a crucial technique used in cryptography to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data, ensuring secure communication and information security.
Etymology of ENCIPHERMENT
The word "encipherment" is derived from the word "cipher", which can be traced back to the Arabic word "sifr", meaning zero. The Arabic term was later adopted into Latin as "cifra", primarily referring to a symbol representing zero. Over time, "cipher" gained the broader meaning of a secret or disguised way of writing or communicating. The term "encipherment" then emerged, combining the prefix "en-" (meaning to put into) with "cipher", to signify the act of converting information into a coded or secret form.
Similar spelling word for ENCIPHERMENT
