Encryption
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 3.1.4
Encryption
If sensitive data is going to be transferred, then it is important that we keep it secure from third parties.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Encryption
A lot of encryption depends upon secret keys - what is a secret key?
Which of the following is a well-known wireless communication encryption protocol?