encryption

algorithm, cryptography Any procedure used in cryptography

to convert plaintext into ciphertext (encrypted message)

in order to prevent any but the intended recipient from

reading that data.

Schematically, there are two classes of encryption primitives:

public-key cryptography and private-key cryptography; they

are generally used complementarily.

Public-key encryption algorithms include RSA;

private-key algorithms include the obsolescent Data EncryptionStandard, the Advanced Encryption Standard, as well as

RC4.

The Unix command crypt performs a weak form of encryption.

Stronger encryption programs include Pretty Good Privacy and

the GNU Privacy Guard.

Other closely related aspects of cryptograph include

message digests.

(2003-04-12)