Decryption is a method that is used in cyber security. It makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and read information that they are not supposed to access. Encryption is used to keep data safe, but in order to see the original information, recipients need to have the right decoding or decryption tool. Let’s learn more about decryption.
In this blog post we will discuss what is decryption, what is decryption and encryption, what is decryption with examples, what is decryption in computers and types of decryption.
What is decryption?
Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back in its original, readable form. The system extracts and converts garbled data into easily understandable texts and images for both the reader and the system. In simple terms, decryption is the opposite of encryption. Encryption involves coding data to make it unreadable, but decryption keys can be used to make it readable again. Decryption can be done either by hand or using automated methods. You can also use a set of keys or passwords to perform it.
Is decryption necessary?
The main reason for having encryption and decryption systems in place is because of privacy.
Be aware that information on the internet can be seen by people who shouldn’t have access to it. So, we encrypt the data to keep it safe from being stolen.
Few reasons why decryption is used is because it:
- allows you to provide security for your data without worrying about unauthorized user access.
- helps prevent plagiarism and safeguards intellectual property.
- assures you that the file or data stays the same and does not get altered.
- helps protect important information such as usernames and passwords.
What is the difference between decryption and encryption?
Encryption is a way to turn regular data into a secret code. It is a way to transform regular text into secret code, making it readable only to people who are allowed to see it. Encryption is a process that uses a key to make data secure. Both the sender and receiver have this key, so the data can travel safely from one end to another. It is called Ciphertext.
Also Read:
What is Cipher? Its Algorithm and Explanation
Decryption is the process of converting coded data back into a readable form. In other words, the encrypted message is transformed into readable text. Decryption is a process that requires a key. This key helps convert the received data into readable form at the receiver’s end. It is called plain text.
Types of decryption
The same algorithm is used to both encrypt and decrypt a pair of keys. Each of these keys is used to encrypt and decrypt data. Let’s explore some commonly used decryption algorithms.
Symmetric decryption:
Symmetric decryption is a method of encryption that uses the same key for both encrypting and decrypting data. It is also known as shared secret encryption.
It works like the person sending and receiving a message use the same secret key. The key is a tool that helps protect your message by transforming it into a secret code called ciphertext. The person receiving the message can use the same key to decode the encrypted text and read the original message.
Asymmetric decryption:
Asymmetric decryption, also called public-key cryptography, involves using two separate keys for encryption and decryption. A public key is used to protect your data by encrypting it, while a private key is used to unlock and access the encrypted data.
A user creates two keys – a public key and a private key. The public key is freely shared so that anyone can send the user encrypted messages. To decrypt the message, you need to use the private key, which should be kept confidential.
RSA
RSA is a popular encryption algorithm that is widely used. It is named after its inventors Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman. It is commonly used to securely transmit data, create digital signatures, and exchange keys.
RSA is a type of encryption-decryption algorithm which uses public and private keys both. Data encryption is a popular practice used to protect critical information. It is also utilized in programs like PGP and GPG. RSA decryption is known as an asymmetric algorithm because it uses a pair of keys, which is different from Triple DES. The public key is used to make the message secure, and the private key is used to make it readable again.
Blowfish
Blowfish was created as a replacement for DES. This symmetric cipher breaks the messages into 64-bit blocks and encrypts them one by one. Blowfish is known for its impressive speed and unbeatable performance. Vendors have made good use of its availability for free in the public domain.
Twofish
Twofish is the newer version of Blowfish. The algorithm can use a key length of up to 256 bits, and only one key is needed for this symmetric technique. Twofish is a high-speed encryption algorithm that works well in both software and hardware settings. Just like Blowfish, Twofish is also available for free to anyone who wants to use it.
Advantages and disadvantages of decryption:
Decryption has numerous benefits, but one of its main advantages is the high level of protection it offers. Decryption can help the organization achieve smooth management. Cyber security experts use this method to prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive data.
However, the main concern with decryption is the issue of data privacy. Decryption carries the risk of potentially separating a crucial part of the workforce. Imagine a situation where a worker unintentionally gains access to their bank or email account. Using inappropriate keywords could cause a firewall issue at any moment.
Therefore, when decryption is in progress, the privacy of end consumers is compromised. If an employee who has no intention of sharing sensitive organizational data accidentally triggers the firewall, their network traffic may be monitored.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post has provided you with enough information about what decryption is, what is decryption and encryption, what is decryption with examples, what is decryption in computers and types of decryption.
