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

Along with Sony, Universal is suing the company, claiming it ripped copyrighted music from YouTube by circumventing YouTube’s encryption methods designed to block such actions.

From The Wall Street Journal

As quantum computers grow more powerful, many current encryption methods could eventually become vulnerable.

From Science Daily

The field of quantum computing makes possible cracking encryption, creating innovative technologies, and discovering new drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unlike Telegram and Whatsapp, Max does not use end-to-end encryption and its terms of use state that user data is stored exclusively on services in Russia.

From Barron's

This encryption ensures user data remains secure, even on public or unsecured networks.

From Salon