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Types of Cryptography

navajocodetalkersadmin on May 1, 2014 - 10:00 am in Cryptography

Before you try to learn about the different types of cryptography, you should know what it is all about. By definition, cryptography is the technique or discipline that uses mathematics to cipher and decipher information. Mathematical language is used to code and decode sensitive or secret information. However, this is mainly used for virtual and hard copy texts/information.

Cryptography Systems

If you dig deeper into cryptography, you will realize that it is usually a complicated process. Therefore, becoming a cryptographer is quite challenging. You must be aware that there are two types or kinds of systems, namely:

1. Symmetric System or Secret Key Cryptography
2. Asymmetric System or Public Key Cryptography

The term ‘key’ pertains to an algorithms numerical value that is used to alter or cipher information. The result is more secured information and only those people with the matching key will be able to view or recover the info in readable format.

Symmetric Cryptography

Under the symmetric cryptography, only one key is used to encrypt and decrypt information. Before a secret info is sent, the sender encrypts the message using the key, and the same key will be used to decrypt the message. This is a good option for those who usually communicate with only a number of people. However, if you usually send info over a large number of recipients, this is not the best choice.

Asymmetric Cryptography

Another type is asymmetric cryptography. Under this system, a pair of keys is used to encrypt and decrypt information. A public key is used for encryption purposes, and the information can only be decoded using the corresponding private key. Even if you tell everyone about the public key, you are the only one who can decode the encrypted message because you alone know the private key.

Protecting Information

In today’s advanced and modern times, hackers and other cybercriminals are working double time to decode encryptions. However, if you’re using the standard systems, you can be sure that confidential information can’t be accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Now that you know the two types of cryptography, you will be able to weigh the pros and cons of each. More and more people favor the asymmetric cryptography over the symmetric because of the obvious advantages. Regardless of the option that you choose, you have to make sure that the keys are kept secret. Once the key is made known to unwanted parties, this is where problems can set in. In the case of the asymmetric cryptography, you don’t have to worry even if other people know the public key. However, with symmetric cryptography, the security of the information is compromised once the key is made known to others.

Before you use cryptography, it is important that you learn the basics. You must choose the type that will work for you and the industry where you belong. Today, electronic messages or information use this discipline so that even when others intercept the message, they will not be able to understand it.

Learn the basics and keep sensitive information secured all the time!

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