Cryptography is the cornerstone of secure digital communication, utilizing mathematical algorithms to protect information and ensure privacy. It involves transforming data into an unreadable format only authorized parties can understand. There are two main types of cryptography: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric cryptography uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, making it fast and efficient for large volumes of data, however, key distribution can be challenging. Examples include AES and DES.
Asymmetric cryptography, or public-key cryptography, uses a pair of keys; a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. It provides secure key distribution and enables digital signatures but is slower and requires more computational resources than symmetric methods. RSA and ECC are examples of this. These methods are used in SSL/TLS protocols to secure internet communications, ensuring data transmission is protected through processes like handshakes, which establish shared keys. Additionally, cryptography is critical for blockchain technology, utilizing hashing to ensure data integrity and employing digital signatures for secure transactions.