noun
cryptography
krip-TAH-gruh-fee/krɪpˈtɑːɡrəfi/
The science of protecting information using codes.
She uses cryptography to encode a message on a cipher worksheet.
Etymology
“Hidden” joined to “writing” describes the original art of writing in secret characters. The central idea is concealing a message’s meaning, the purpose served by codes and ciphers.
In context
creating technical tools through cryp cryptography that allow for anonymous communication.
More examples
- Cryptography helps keep online bank transactions private.
- The course covers cryptography and the mathematics behind secure codes.
- Modern cryptography protects messages even when attackers intercept them.
Forms
cryptography
cryptographic adjective — involving codes used to protect information
cryptographer noun — a specialist in creating or studying secure codes
Similar words
- encryption
- Specifically converts information into coded form, rather than studying security.
- cryptology
- Includes both protecting information with codes and breaking those codes.