Encryption

__**Encryption**__ Encryption is a way of concealing data on the internet so it remains private between the communicator and the commuted. This concealment is converted into a form called cipher text. Credit card transactions are often encrypted for financial means of protection. If the cipher is stronger it will be harder to tap into by unauthorized personnel.

An example of the use of encryption as mentioned above can be an online transaction. If one were to purchase a product online, a credit card number must be shown. By encrypting this personal information, it can no longer be tapped into by hackers, thus, no fraud charges or wrongful withdrawal of money from the bidder.
 * Ex. 1**

A second example can be seen with large organizations such as Apple or Microsoft that have numerous organizations and departments. These corporations have need to communicate through the internet, and it is crucial that the information be kept private. Very often large companies use encryption so they can keep the vital secrets between each section away from the public or unauthorized persons.
 * Ex. 2**

Information that is most often encrypted to be kept safe includes (taken from Howstuffworks.com):
 * Credit-card information
 * Social Security numbers
 * Private correspondence
 * Personal details
 * Sensitive company information
 * Bank-account information

Below is an example of email encryption. Image (http://www.liveoffice.com/images/diag_05.gif)

In this method, the user first types an email, it can be an employee from a company, or a private messaged delivered between two friends. As seen above, the "Sentinel Platform" which ensures the message is encrypted and locked. If the partner on the receiving end supports the encyrption program, then the email is received safely.

"Howstuffworks." 20 Jan. 2008 <[|http://computer.howstuffworks.com/encryption.htm>.]

Bauchle, Robert, Fred Hazen, John Lund, Gabe Oakley, and Frank Rundatz. 10 July 2006. 17 Jan. 2008 <[|http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci212062,00.html#>.]

"Design: Talkboard." 16 Jan. 2008 <[|http://www.designtalkboard.com/glossary/web/e-glossary.php>.]