Modern algorithms break up the plaintext data into groups called blocks, then encrypt each block as a unit - that’s why they’re known as block ciphers. This is equally true for both data at rest (stored someplace, like on a hard drive) and data in motion (being electronically transferred from one place to another, like over a network or the internet).Įncryption algorithms use cryptographic keys, which are strings of characters, to scramble data into seemingly random gibberish. The new text is unreadable unless someone uses the right decryption key to decode it. How does encryption work?Įncryption works by sending the original data (or plaintext) through an algorithm (a cipher), whic h encrypts the data into ciphertext. People use encryption specifically to prevent unauthorized use of data. It is an operational process that uses math and algorithms to encode plaintext more efficiently and in more complex ways. The meaning of cryptography comes from the Greek for “secret writing.” People have been using cryptographic systems for thousands of years to disguise written information so that only the intended recipient can read it.Įncryption is just one form of cryptography. The practice of encryption is a form of cryptography. Data Encryption: What is it & How Does it Work? | Avast Logo Ameba Icon Security Icon Security White Icon Privacy Icon Performance Icon Privacy Icon Security Icon Performance Icons/45/01 Security/Other-Threats Icons / 32 / Bloatware removal Icons / 32 / Registry Cleaner Icons / 32 / CleanUp Icons / Feature / 32 / Mac Icons / 32 / Browser cleanup Icons/32/01 Security/Malware Icons/32/01 Security/Viruses Icons/32/01 Security/Other-Threats Icons/32/01 Security/Passwords Icons/32/01 Security/Ransomware Icons/32/01 Security/Business Icons/32/02 Privacy/Browser Icons/32/02 Privacy/IP adress Icons/32/02 Privacy/VPN Icons/32/02 Privacy/Proxy Icons/32/02 Privacy/Streaming Icons/32/03 Performance/Celaning Icons/32/03 Performance/Drivers Icons/32/03 Performance/Gaming Icons/32/03 Performance/Hardware Icons/32/03 Performance/Speed Icons / 32 / Bloatware removal Icons / 32 / Registry Cleaner Win Icons / 32 / CleanUp Icons / Feature / 32 / Mac Icons / 32 / Browser cleanup Icons/60/02 Privacy/02_Privacy Icons/60/01 Security/01_Security Icons/60/03 Performance/03_Performance Icons/80/01 Security/IoT Icons/80/01 Security/Malware Icons/80/01 Security/Passwords Icons/80/01 Security/Ransomware Icons/80/01 Security/Viruses Icons/80/01 Security/Other-Threats Icons/80/03 Security/Business Icons/80/02 Privacy/Browser Icons/80/02 Privacy/IP adress Icons/80/02 Privacy/VPN Icons/80/02 Privacy/Proxy Icons/80/02 Privacy/Streaming Icons/80/03 Performance/Celaning Icons/80/03 Performance/Drivers Icons/80/03 Performance/Gaming Icons/80/03 Performance/Hardware Icons/80/03 Performance/Speed Icons/80/03 Performance/03_Performance Icons/80/02 Privacy/02_Privacyĭata encryption increases the security of your sensitive data and personal information, offering you protection and privacy in an unpredictable online world.