Encryption Vs. Cryptography: What's The Difference (And Why Does It Matter?)
Barracuda Networks, Friday, August 1st, 2025
Encryption keeps data safe from prying eyes. But what about cryptography? Is this just another name for the same concept?
Not quite. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they're not identical. Here's a look at what each term means in practice, how they're used in cybersecurity and why the difference matters.
What is encryption?
Encryption converts readable information into unreadable information using a key. Readable information is also known as plaintext, while unreadable information is called ciphertext. Once data is encrypted, it is effectively "locked" - only someone with the right key can open the lock and decrypt the data.