Encryption Fundamentals

These flashcards cover the key concepts and definitions related to encryption, cryptography, and cryptanalysis from the lecture notes.

Encryption

The process of converting plaintext into ciphertext to protect the confidentiality of the data.

Cryptanalysis

The study of breaking encryption techniques to read ciphertext without the secret key.

Ciphertext

The coded, unreadable output of the encryption process, produced by applying a cipher to plaintext.

Plaintext

The original, unencrypted message or data that serves as input to the encryption process.

Secret Key

Confidential information required to encrypt or decrypt data, known only to the sender and receiver.

Hashing

A method that protects against unauthorized modification of data, ensuring its integrity.

Cryptography

The broader science of utilizing codes and mathematics to secure information.

Decipher

The process of recovering original plaintext from ciphertext using the correct key.

Kerckhoff's Principle

A cryptosystem's security should rely on the secrecy of the key, not the obscurity of the algorithm.

Shannon's Maxim

The principle that states 'The enemy knows the system,' emphasizing that security lies in the secret key.

Known-Plaintext Attack (KPA)

An attack scenario where the attacker possesses some plaintext and its corresponding ciphertext to deduce the key.

Ciphers

Algorithms that systematically transform data, scrambling it to protect information using mathematical principles.

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

A system that uses encryption to manage access and control the usage of digital content.

Effective File Encryption

Strong file encryption characterized by algorithm strength, key length, and reliable properties.

Editing/Access State

The state where an encrypted file is decrypted for use and re-encrypted before saving.

Transmission State

The state when an encrypted file is moved or sent, maintaining its encrypted form.

Processing State

The state when a file is being created or edited in its original plaintext form.