"Ciphers and Privacy"

Front

What is ciphertext?

Back

A random string of letters, numbers, or symbols that results from the encryption of plaintext.

Front

What is plaintext?

Back

A message in normal language that is readable and understandable before encryption.

Front

What does encryption software do to messages?

Back

Makes them hard to read for others by converting plaintext into ciphertext.

Front

What is a cipher?

Back

A method or algorithm used to encrypt or decrypt messages.

Front

What is the purpose of a secret key in encryption?

Back

It is used to encrypt and decrypt messages, ensuring that only authorized users can read the information.

Front

What is a substitution cipher?

Back

A type of cipher where each letter in the plaintext is replaced with a letter some fixed number of positions down the alphabet.

Front

What is a Caesar cipher?

Back

A specific type of substitution cipher where each letter is shifted a certain number of places down or up the alphabet.

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What does 'decryption' mean?

Back

The process of converting ciphertext back into plaintext.

Front

What is the significance of digital signatures?

Back

They provide authentication and integrity to digital messages, ensuring that the message comes from a verified sender.

Front

What is the role of hashing in data security?

Back

Hashing transforms data into a fixed-size string of characters, which is typically a digest that represents the original data.