Encryption Vs. Cryptography

Encryption and cryptography are two methods used in IT security to protect sensitive data and secure access control. Encryption refers to the process of converting plain text into an encoded message that can only be decoded with a key. Cryptography, on the other hand, refers to the practice of securing information by converting it into an unreadable format through a variety of techniques.

While both encryption and cryptography aim to protect data, they differ in terms of their application and techniques used. Encryption is a subset of cryptography and is typically used to protect data in transit, such as emails or online transactions. It uses mathematical algorithms to scramble the original data and ensure its confidentiality. Encryption can be symmetric or asymmetric, with symmetric encryption using the same key for both encryption and decryption, and asymmetric encryption using a public and private key.

Cryptography, on the other hand, is a broader concept that involves techniques beyond encryption. It can also involve methods such as digital signatures, key exchange protocols, and message authentication codes. Cryptography is used to secure data both in transit and at rest, and can be used to ensure the integrity and authenticity of data.

While both encryption and cryptography are used to secure data and access control, encryption is a subset of cryptography that focuses specifically on converting data into an encoded format. Cryptography, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses a range of techniques used to secure data, including encryption. By understanding the differences between these two methods, IT professionals can choose the appropriate technique to secure their data and protect against unauthorized access.

References:

Pedamkar, Priya "Cryptography vs Encryption" https://www.educba.com/cryptography-vs-encryption/