encryption

American  

[en-krip-shuhn] / ɛnˈkrɪp ʃən /

noun

1. the act or practice of converting messages into cipher or code.

   During World War II, the encryption process involved code tables and a machine.

2. Computers. the act or practice of changing digital data into a form that cannot be read without converting it back using a unique key.

   Though its data encryption is strong, the app has other security flaws exploited by hackers.

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encryption Cultural  

1. The process of encoding a message so that it can be read only by the sender and the intended recipient. Encryption systems often use two keys, a public key, available to anyone, and a private key that allows only the recipient to decode the message. (See also cryptography.)

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Etymology

Origin of encryption

First recorded in 1940–45; 1960–65 encryption for def. 2; encrypt ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Unlike WhatsApp, Max appears to lack end-to-end encryption, meaning messages are not scrambled while travelling between the reader and sender and could possibly be retained by the state.

From Barron's

Critics say the weak encryption, where messages are not scrambled between devices, means communications could be easily intercepted and read.

From Barron's

End-to-end encryption can hide videos from even the companies hosting the data.

From The Wall Street Journal

The app in question is Max, a messenger that has features similar to WhatsApp and Telegram but is state-controlled and offers no encryption, according to tech experts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Without encryption, hackers on the same network can potentially intercept your data, steal passwords or monitor your activity.

From Salon