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

Microsoft said users can manage and delete their information, and any data and conversations are kept separate from the general Copilot chat on the app using encryption and strict access controls.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thanks to sophisticated IP cloaking and high-level encryption, you get uncensored internet access, free of geographical content restrictions and aggressive digital marketing tactics.

From Salon

NordVPN’s heightened encryption, commitment to user privacy, and thousands of global servers take them to the top of the VPN pack.

From Salon

However, it can still benefit from the privacy and security benefits of encryption or obfuscated servers, particularly in regions that heavily restrict internet access.

From Salon

Using a special encryption code, the operatives could translate the numerals into a readable message.

From Los Angeles Times