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

Much of modern cryptography is based on hiding data in a way that it would take modern computers too long to crack.

From Axios

Transitioning to new cryptography is a notoriously tricky and lengthy task, and one it’s easy to ignore until it’s too late.

From MIT Technology Review

Each transaction generates a block, and these blocks are linked to each other through cryptography.

From Popular-Science

Except now, all movements of money are tracked electronically on a computerized ledger, and your digital banknotes are secured through cryptography.

From Popular-Science

Shermak said what her firm does is “true cryptography” that goes above and beyond other more widely-used approaches to obscuring personally-identifiable data such as salting and hashing.

From Digiday

He began studying cryptography, code-breaking and puzzle-solving books.

From The Daily Beast

Cryptography is the art of coding and decoding information between parties.

From The Daily Beast

They are much more difficult to decipher than was the cryptography left by the pirate Kidd.

From Project Gutenberg

He held up a heavy volume called Cryptography for the Student.

From Project Gutenberg

In cryptography it's a number, or letter, thrown in for the sake of appearance, or to confuse.

From Project Gutenberg

He is the author of a work on cryptography, I believe, though I am ashamed to say I haven't yet read it.

From Project Gutenberg

I am not altogether ignorant of cryptography; it was Trevisa's favorite pursuit when we were at college.

From Project Gutenberg