What is encryption?

Encryption is the conversion of string of text (e.g. password) or data (e.g. contents of a file) into an encrypted form of data that can only be deciphered and understood by systems and personnel authorized to read this information.

Encryption of data is used in a variety of situations, for example wireless communication where Wi-Fi or mobile phone users connect to an access point and send data over the wireless connection. This type of communication is often targeted by hackers, and therefore encryption is of great importance here.

Another common usage of encryption is online shopping and online banking. Banks and shops use secure SSL keys and strong encryption when asking for passwords and other sensitive information such as credit card numbers in order to reduce the risk of potential data leak.