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encryption

en-KRIP-shun /ɪnˈkrɪpʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formaltechnical

The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access, especially during transmission or storage.

Encryption transforms readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using an algorithm and a key. Only someone with the correct key can decrypt and read the information.

The story behind the word. The heart of 'encryption' lies in the Greek word 'kryptos,' meaning 'hidden' or 'secret.' This ancient root is also found in words like 'cryptic' (mysterious) and 'cryptography' (the art of secret writing). So, when you encrypt data, you are essentially 'hiding' it in a secret code, making it unreadable to anyone without the key. It's a digital secret keeper!

Word relationships

coding: Coding is a broader term, can refer to programming; encryption specifically means scrambling for security.
scrambling: Less formal, implies making something unreadable, but 'encryption' is the precise technical term.

decryption: The process of converting encrypted data back into its original readable form.

Commonly confused with

encoding: Encoding converts data into a different format for various purposes (e.g., compatibility, compression), but not primarily for security against unauthorized access like encryption.

Word family

encrypt (verb): To convert information or data into a code.
encrypted (adjective): Converted into a code for security.

Collocations

strong encryption
data encryption
encryption key
end-to-end encryption
encryption software

Example sentences

"End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and intended recipient can read the messages." A discussion about secure communication.
"The company announced that all customer data would be protected by strong encryption both in transit and at rest." A news report on data security.
"When you log into your bank account, encryption scrambles your password so it can't be intercepted by hackers." Explaining how online banking works.

Memory hook

To 'EN-CRYPT' is to put something 'IN' a 'CRYPT' (a hidden place) to keep it secret. Cryptic Code

When not to use

Do not use 'encryption' to refer to general security measures that don't involve coding data. For example, a 'firewall' is a security measure, but it doesn't encrypt data.

Fun facts

The earliest known use of encryption dates back to ancient Egypt, where hieroglyphs were sometimes used in unusual ways to conceal messages.
The Caesar cipher, used by Julius Caesar, is one of the simplest and oldest forms of encryption.