Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Encryption refers to the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext using an encryption algorithm. It ensures that data remains secure during transmission or storage.
Related terms
Symmetric Encryption: An encryption method that uses the same key for both encryption and decryption.
Cipher: A specific algorithm used for encryption or decryption.
Block Cipher: An encryption method that processes fixed-size blocks of data at a time.