CRYPTOGRAPHY

What is Cryptography for information security?

The purpose of cryptography is to protect information using specialised coding so that only those who need to see the information are able to understand it.

The meaning behind cryptography can be broken into 2 parts.

• ‘Crypt’ = hidden or vault
• ‘Graphy’ = writing

In cryptography, algorithms and mathematical communication techniques are used to make the information difficult to read if read across the Internet.

You may be wondering how cryptography may affect you on a daily basis. Cryptographic algorithms protect data privacy, web browsing, email communication, and online credit card transactions. The Internet has become very important not only in the world of business, but also in everyday life.

Microdots can be used for hiding information when being stored or transferred as part of cryptography. It is the process of scrambling plain text into a process called encryption and then unscrambling it back again (called decryption) that is considered to be the most common type of cryptography.

Why is cryptography important?

Cryptography has a strong importance for organisations trying to effectively manage their information security system, as it helps to achieve the goals of confidentiality, authentication, and integrity.

Let’s take a look at these individually.

• Confidentiality: This will ensure that anyone who doesn’t deserve access to the information won’t be able to decipher it.
• Authentication: This ensures that the sender and recipient can verify each other’s identities and where the information is coming from/going to.
• Integrity: By protecting information while it is in transit or being stored, it can’t be altered or changed without being detected.