<algorithm, cryptography> Any procedure used in cryptography
to convert plaintext into ciphertext (encrypted message)
in order to prevent any but the intended recipient from
reading that data.
Schematically, there are two classes of encryption primitives:
public-key cryptography and private-key cryptography; they
are generally used complementarily.
Public-key encryption algorithms include RSA;
private-key algorithms include the obsolescent Data Encryption
Standard, the Advanced Encryption Standard, as well as
RC4.
The Unix command crypt performs a weak form of encryption.
Stronger encryption programs include Pretty Good Privacy and
the GNU Privacy Guard.
Other closely related aspects of cryptograph include
message digests.
(2003-04-12)
Nearby terms:
encapsulation « encode « encoder « encryption » -endian » endless loop » End Of Line
