encryption

[en-krip-shuhn]

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.

encryption

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of encryption¹

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

Example Sentences

In 2020 a gang using Dopplepaymer ransomware gifted their encryption key to a German hospital after the chaos contributed to the death of an emergency care patient.

From BBC

"Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before," it said, citing rising incidents of data breaches and cyber attacks.

From BBC

Both apps offer end-to-end encryption which means that no third party, not even those who own them, are able to read messages or listen to calls.

From BBC

The tech uses end-to-end encryption, where only the account holder can access the data stored - even Apple itself cannot see it.

From BBC

"The UK's powers to attack encryption are still on the law books, and pose a serious risk to user security and protection against criminal abuse of our data," he said.

From BBC