Security : Encryption

Encryption is converting data into an apparently meaningless form so that it can not be read by unauthorised users. If some data has been encrypted then unless you know what the code used to encrypt the data was you will not be able to read it. Changing encrypted data back into its original form is known as decryption.

Files containing important or confidential data are often encrypted before they are saved onto a storage device. Encrypting a file will not prevent the deletion or corruption of the file. However if the file is stolen then it will be very difficult for anyone to read the information that it contains.

Data can also be encrypted before it is transmitted across a network. This usually happens when confidential data such as a credit card number is transmitted across the Internet.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004