Difference between Encryption and Decryption
Last Updated :
28 Dec, 2024
Encryption is the process of converting a normal message (plain text) into a meaningless message (ciphertext). Decryption is the process of converting a meaningless message (ciphertext) into its original form (plaintext). The major distinction between secret writing and associated secret writing is the conversion of a message into an unintelligible kind that's undecipherable unless decrypted. whereas secret writing is the recovery of the first message from the encrypted information.
What is Encryption?
Data can be secured with encryption by being changed into an unintelligible format that can only be interpreted by a person with the proper decryption key. Sensitive data, including financial and personal information as well as communications over the internet, is frequently protected with it.
Application of Encryption
Many different fields employ encryption, including:
- Online Banking: To secure transactions, use online banking.
- Email security: To safeguard the contents of emails.
- Secure Messaging: To protect the privacy of discussions.
- Data Storage: To prevent unwanted access to data that has been stored.
What is Decryption?
To make encrypted data comprehensible again, it must first be decrypted and then put back into its original format. To access and utilize the protected information, authorized parties must follow this procedure.
Real-Life Examples of Encryption and Decryption
- WhatsApp Messaging: It encrypts It encrypts communications from beginning to end so that only the sender and recipient can read them.
- HTTPS websites: Encrypt user data to prevent third parties from intercepting it.
- Encrypted Email Services: Email services that use encryption, like ProtonMail, protect email contents.
Why are Encryption and Decryption Important?
Maintaining privacy, securing communications, and shielding sensitive data from cyber dangers all depend on encryption and decryption. They are crucial instruments for cybersecurity and aid in maintaining the privacy and integrity of data.
Let's see the difference between encryption and decryption:
| Encryption | Decryption |
|---|
| Encryption is the process of converting a normal message into a meaningless message. | While decryption is the process of converting meaningless messages into their original form,. |
| Encryption is the process that takes place at the sender's end. | While decryption is the process that takes place at the receiver's end,. |
| Its major task is to convert the plain text into cipher text. | While its main task is to convert the cipher text into plain text,. |
| Any message can be encrypted with either a secret key or a public key. | Whereas the encrypted message can be decrypted with either a secret key or a private key,. |
| In the encryption process, the sender sends the data to the receiver after encrypting it. | Whereas in the decryption process, the receiver receives the information (cipher text) and converts it into plain text. |
| The same algorithm with the same key is used for the encryption-decryption process. | The only single algorithm used for encryption and decryption is a pair of keys, each used for encryption and decryption. |
| Encryption is used to protect the confidentiality of data by converting it into an unreadable form that can only be read by authorized parties. | Decryption is used to reverse the encryption process and convert the ciphertext back into plaintext. |
| The output of encryption is a ciphertext that is unintelligible to anyone who does not have the decryption key. | The output of decryption is the original plaintext message.
|
Conclusion
In cybersecurity, encryption and decryption are essential procedures. While decryption enables the intended recipient to view the original data, encryption safeguards data by rendering it unreadable to unauthorized parties. In the current digital era, knowing the distinctions between these procedures is essential.
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