Glossary
Find the definition of the most commonly used cyber security terms in our glossary below.
What is Encryption in cyber security?
Encryption refers to the practice of encoding information so only authorized parties can access it. Two types of encryption are commonly used: symmetric encryption (same key for encryption and decryption) and asymmetric encryption (different keys for encryption and decryption - a public key to encrypt and a private key to decrypt). Encryption plays a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality during data storage (data at rest) and data transmission (data in flight). It safeguards sensitive information like personal details, financial transactions, and corporate information from unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, or data breaches. Today, encryption is commonly utilized in many applications, from protecting the data on devices and backup drives to securing messages on mobile apps and transactions on websites.