Ciphers 101: From Basics Up

Data encryption, secure communication, and digital signatures.

Ciphers are vital for data security, with symmetric and asymmetric types serving different purposes.

A cipher where both the sender and receiver use the same key for encryption and decryption.

They are fast and efficient for large data, but key management is crucial; if the key is compromised, security is breached.

A cipher that replaces each letter in the plaintext with another letter.

A cipher that rearranges the letters of the plaintext without changing the letters themselves.

Data Encryption Standard, an older symmetric cipher now considered insecure.

Algorithms for encrypting and decrypting information, used to secure data by transforming it into an unreadable format for unauthorized users.

Caesar Cipher, where each letter is shifted by a fixed number.

It is essential for recognizing potential vulnerabilities in data security and serves as a foundation for advanced cryptography.

Rivest-Shamir-Adleman, a commonly used asymmetric cipher for secure data transmission.

Rail Fence Cipher, where the text is written in a zigzag pattern.

They are more secure for key exchange but slower than symmetric ciphers.

A cipher that uses a pair of keys; a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.

Advanced Encryption Standard, a widely used symmetric cipher for securing data.