Encryption and Cryptography Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of encryption?

Answer: To convert readable data into an unreadable format to protect it

Encryption converts plaintext into ciphertext to protect data from unauthorized access by those without the decryption key.

Which type of encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption?

Answer: Symmetric encryption

Symmetric encryption uses a single shared secret key for both encrypting and decrypting data.

In asymmetric encryption, which key is used to encrypt data that only the recipient can decrypt?

Answer: Public key

The recipient's public key encrypts data, and only the corresponding private key held by the recipient can decrypt it.

What does HTTPS indicate about a website connection?

Answer: The connection between your browser and the website is encrypted

HTTPS uses SSL/TLS to encrypt data transmitted between your browser and the web server, protecting it from interception.

What is a cipher in the context of cryptography?

Answer: An algorithm used to encrypt and decrypt data

A cipher is a cryptographic algorithm that transforms plaintext into ciphertext and reverses the process with the correct key.

What is the primary purpose of a digital certificate?

Answer: To prove the identity of a website or person in digital communications

Digital certificates bind a public key to an identity, allowing others to verify the authenticity of websites and individuals.

Which of the following best describes an encryption 'key'?

Answer: A piece of information that controls how data is encrypted or decrypted

An encryption key is a value that is input into a cryptographic algorithm to determine the transformation applied to the data.