cryptography

[ krip-tog-ruh-fee ]

noun

1. the science or study of the techniques of secret writing, especially code and cipher systems, methods, and the like. Compare cryptanalysis ( def 2 ).
2. the procedures, processes, methods, etc., of making and using secret writing, as codes or ciphers.
3. Computers.
   1. the study or process of using algorithms to scramble or hide data, validate messages and digital signatures, etc., in order to secure digital information against unauthorized access or corruption:

      Cryptography has been rapidly evolving to introduce more hacker-proof algorithms.

   2. an instance of this:

      The application’s cryptography provides a strong element of security, but is unlikely to be proof against all cyber threats.

4. anything written in a secret code, cipher, or the like.

cryptography

/ krɪpˈtɒlədʒɪ; ˌkrɪptəˈɡræfɪk; krɪpˈtɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the science or study of analysing and deciphering codes, ciphers, etc; cryptanalysis

cryptography

1. The science of coding and decoding messages so as to keep these messages secure. Coding ( see encryption ) takes place using a key that ideally is known only by the sender and intended recipient of the message.

Notes

Historically used in warfare, cryptography is now used routinely in computer networks. This often pits the desire of individuals and businesses to keep Internet information private against the need of government to investigate crime and terrorism .

Derived Forms

• cryptographic, adjective
• ˌcryptoˈgraphically, adverb
• crypˈtographer, noun

Other Words From

• cryp·tog·ra·pher cryp·tog·ra·phist noun
• cryp·to·graph·ic [krip-t, uh, -, graf, -ik], cryp·to·graph·i·cal cryp·tog·ra·phal adjective
• cryp·to·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptography¹

First recorded in 1635–45; crypto- + -graphy

Example Sentences

“When MI6 converted this into a cryptography station, I jumped at the chance to run it. I grew up in Edinburgh, so it was close to home and far from office politics. The best of both worlds.”

From Literature

Since then, hBN has gained widespread attention and application across various quantum fields and technologies, including sensors, imaging, cryptography, and computing, thanks to its layered structure and ease of manipulation.

From Science Daily

This increasing complexity is believed to be what gives quantum computers the power to solve certain types of problems much faster than classical computers, such as those in cryptography in which large numbers must be quickly factored.

From Science Daily

A researcher in cryptography in Berlin, Henning Seidler, believes the most likely theory is that the officer dialled in via his mobile phone and the call was picked up by spies' antenna who can also "forward" the traffic onto the main, official antenna.

From BBC

Mr. Walker was well known in tech circles, not just for his triumphs in business but also for his outsize skills as a programmer — he was credited with developing an early prototype of the computer virus — and as a voluble writer who filled his personal site, Fourmilab, with free-ranging musings on topics as diverse as cryptography, nanotechnology and consciousness studies.

From New York Times