Common Encryption Methods: A Complete Guide

In today’s digital-first world, encryption is no longer optional—it’s essential. Every time you send an email, log into your bank, or store data in the cloud, encryption works silently in the background to keep your information safe. Without it, sensitive data could be exposed to hackers, resulting in devastating breaches.

This article explores common encryption methods, how they work, their advantages and weaknesses, and why they are critical to modern cybersecurity strategies.

What Is Encryption and Why Does It Matter?

Encryption is the process of converting readable information (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using algorithms and keys. Only those with the correct key can decrypt the data back into its original form.

The importance of encryption cannot be overstated. It ensures:

• Confidentiality: Only authorized users can access the data.

• Integrity: Prevents tampering and data manipulation.

• Authentication: Verifies the identity of users and systems.

While hashing is ...