Difference Between Encryption and Decryption

The main difference between encryption and decryption is that the encryption converts the original message to an unrecognizable message in order to send it through the network while the decryption converts the received encrypted message back to the original message.

Cryptography is a technique that is used to secure data in communication. It prevents unauthorized parties from getting access to confidential data. Encryption and decryption are two main functionalities of cryptography. At the sender’s end, the message to send over the network is converted to an unrecognizable message. This conversion is called encryption. At the receiving end, the received message is converted back to the original message. This conversion is called decryption. In brief, encryption and decryption help to secure data in communication.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Cryptography
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Encryption
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is Decryption
     – Definition, Functionality
4. Difference Between Encryption and Decryption
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Ciphertext, Cryptography, Deciphering, Decryption, Enciphering, Encryption

What is Cryptography

When transmitting data over the network, it is important to use a mechanism to secure the data. For example, in an online transaction, the user’s credit card information is transmitted over the internet. There is a possibility for a hacker to steal this personal information. Therefore, when transmitting confidential information, it is important to use a data protection method. One such method is cryptography. It hides the real information when they are transmitted over the network.

Figure 1: Encryption and Decryption in Cryptography

At the sender’s end, the real information is transformed to an unrecognizable message and it passes over the network. At the receiver’s end, the message is transformed back to the original message. Transformation at the sender and receive together form the basic cryptography model.

What is Encryption

Encryption is the process that transforms the original information into another form that cannot be identified. It occurs at the sender’s side. This new form of the message is totally different from the initial message. Therefore, hackers cannot read this data. The sender uses an encryption algorithm and a key to transform the original message into an encrypted message. This encrypted message is also known as a ciphertext.  Encryption is also called enciphering.

What is Decryption

Decryption is the process of converting the received unrecognizable message back to the original message. It occurs at the receiver’s end. It uses decryption algorithms and a key to transform the ciphertext back to original plaintext. The decryption is also called deciphering. Both sender and receiver use unique keys and they are not known to the outsiders. Decryption is the reverse process of encryption.

Difference Between Encryption and Decryption

Definition

Encryption is the process of encoding a message or information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it.  Decryption is the process of transforming data that has been rendered unreadable through encryption back to its unencrypted form.

Main Functionality

Unauthorized parties cannot access the real information since encryption converts the original message to an unrecognizable message. Decryption converts the received encrypted message back to the original message.

Occurrence

While encryption occurs at the sender’s end, decryption occurs at the receiver’s end.

Conclusion

Cryptography is a security mechanism, which allows protecting data from unauthorized access. It consists of two functionalities: encryption and decryption. The main difference between encryption and decryption is that the encryption converts the original message to an unrecognizable message to send it through the network while the decryption converts the received encrypted message back to the original message.

Reference:

1. Cryptography Basics: What Is Encryption and Decryption, Skill Gurukul, 28 Apr. 2014, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Encryption1” By Munkhzaya Ganbold – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia