1.2.6

Encryption

Test yourself

Encryption

If sensitive data is going to be transferred, then it is important that we keep it secure from third parties.

Illustrative background for EncryptionIllustrative background for Encryption ?? "content

Encryption

  • Encrypting data is the process of scrambling data according to a specific algorithm so that it cannot be read by third parties.
  • Only the intended recipient will know how to decode the data.
Illustrative background for KeysIllustrative background for Keys ?? "content

Keys

  • A lot of encryption depends upon secret keys, which are shared secret pieces of data.
  • Keys are made up of a pair of very large prime numbers, either 256 or 1,024 bits long.
  • It would take an impractical amount of time to guess the key. So we say that the encryption is secure.
Illustrative background for Wireless communicationIllustrative background for Wireless communication ?? "content

Wireless communication

  • It is especially important to encrypt wireless communication.
  • Protocols exist for wireless communication, such as WiFi Protected Access version 2 (WPA2), which encrypt all traffic.

Symmetric Encryption

The use of encryption is vital to protect our private information. One type of encryption is symmetric encryption.

Illustrative background for Symmetric encryptionIllustrative background for Symmetric encryption ?? "content

Symmetric encryption

  • Symmetric or private key encryption is used to encrypt data for transmission.
  • A private key is used to convert plain text into cypher text.
  • This cypher text and private key are then transferred to another location or person.
  • The key is then used to decrypt the cypher back into plain text.
Illustrative background for SecurityIllustrative background for Security ?? "content

Security

  • Using a single key to encrypt and decrypt text proposes a massive flaw in security, as anyone with the key can decrypt the cypher.
  • As with passwords, the longer the encryption key, the less likely it is to be compromised by brute force, and so the more secure the encryption.

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Data Representation

1.1.1Binary Numbers

1.1.2Negative Binary Numbers

1.1.3Hexadecimal

1.1.4Using Hexadecimal

1.1.5Converting Binary & Hexadecimal

1.1.6Converting Denary & Hexadecimal

1.1.7Capacity

1.1.8Calculating Capacity Requirements

1.1.9Binary in Computer Systems

1.1.10Data Compression

1.1.11Run Length Encoding

1.1.12File Formats

1.2Data Transmission

1.2.1Packet Switching

1.2.2Data Transmission

1.2.3Universal Serial Bus (USB)

1.2.4Parity Check

1.2.5Checksum & Echo Checks

1.2.6Encryption

1.3Hardware

1.3.1Elements of Computer Systems

1.3.2Types of Computer System

1.3.3Von Neumann Architecture

1.3.4The Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle

1.3.5Factors Affecting CPU Performance

1.3.6Computational Logic

1.3.7Input Devices

1.3.82D & 3D Scanners

1.3.9Code Readers

1.3.10Solid State Storage

1.3.11Magnetic Storage

1.3.12Examples of Magnetic Storage

1.3.13Optical Storage

1.3.14Examples of Optical Storage

1.3.15Types of Optical disk

1.3.16Storage Requirements

1.3.17Translation - Compilers

1.3.18Translation - Interpreters

1.3.19Translation - Assemblers

1.3.20Acoustic Sensors

1.3.21Flow Sensors

1.3.22Gas Sensors

1.3.23Humidity Sensors

1.3.24Infrared Sensors

1.3.25Level Sensors

1.3.26Light Sensors

1.3.27Magnetic Field Sensors

1.3.28Moisture Sensors

1.3.29pH Sensors

1.3.30Pressure Sensors

1.3.31Proximity Sensors

1.3.32Temperature Sensors

1.3.33Network Hardware

1.4Software

1.4.1Operating Systems

1.4.2Interrupts

1.4.3High-Level Languages

1.4.4Low-Level Languages

1.5The Internet & its Uses

1.5.1The Internet

1.5.2Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)

1.5.3DNS

1.5.4HTML

1.5.5Cookies

1.5.6Web Hosting

1.5.7Digital Currency

1.6Cyber Security

1.6.1Forms of Attack

1.6.2Penetration Testing

1.6.3Types of Malware

1.6.4How Malware Spreads

1.6.5Protecting Against Malware

1.6.6Information Security

1.6.7Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection

1.6.8Firewalls

1.6.9Authentication: User Access Levels

1.6.10Authentication: Passwords

1.6.11Social Engineering

1.6.12Phishing

1.6.13Denial of Service Attacks

1.7Automated & Emerging Technologies

1.7.1Automated Systems

1.7.2Robotics

1.7.3Artificial Intelligence

2Algorithms, Programming & Logic

2.1Algorithm Design & Problem Solving

2.1.1Computational Thinking - Abstraction

2.1.2Computational Thinking - Decomposition

2.1.3Computational Thinking - Algorithmic Thinking

2.1.4Pseudocode

2.1.5Flow Diagrams

2.1.6Interpreting, Correcting & Completing Algorithm

2.1.7Correcting Algorithms

2.1.8Completing Algorithms

2.1.9Testing

2.1.10Types of Testing

2.1.11Test Plans

2.1.12Validation & Sanitation

2.1.13Authentication & Contingencies

2.2Programming

2.2.1Programming Fundamentals - Variables & Constants

2.2.2Programming Fundamentals - Comments

2.2.3Programming Fundamentals - Input & Output

2.2.4Data Types

2.2.5Casting

2.2.6Controlling Program Flow - Sequence

2.2.7Controlling Program Flow - Selection

2.2.8Controlling Program Flow - Iteration

2.2.9Modularity - Subroutines

2.2.10Modularity - Scope

2.2.11Arrays

2.3Databases

2.3.1Structuring Data - Records

2.3.2Structuring Data - Databases

2.3.3SQL

2.4Boolean Logic

2.4.1Binary Systems

2.4.2Logic Circuits

2.4.3Truth Tables

2.4.4Evaluating Expressions

2.4.5Boolean Operators

2.4.6End of Topic Test - Logic

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

Checksum & Echo Checks

Elements of Computer Systems