What is cryptography and why is it important?

What is cryptography and why is it important?

Cryptography is the practice of securing information by transforming it into an unreadable format. It's crucial for protecting data integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity.

Can you explain the different types of cryptography?

Sure! The main types are symmetric-key cryptography, where the same key is used for encryption and decryption, and asymmetric-key cryptography, which uses a pair of keys (public and private) for secure communication.

How does cryptography protect online transactions?

Cryptography secures online transactions by encrypting sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, ensuring that only authorized parties can access it.

What are some common cryptographic algorithms?

Common algorithms include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), and SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm). Each serves different purposes in securing data.

Is cryptography used in everyday applications?

Yes, cryptography is used in various applications like online banking, secure messaging apps, and even in securing Wi-Fi networks.