Cryptography is the science of sending, sharing, and storing data in an encrypted format and retrieving it back to its original form when needed in cyberspace.

It combines mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Before data is shared or stored, it is converted into a non-readable format using an encryption algorithm with the help of an encryption key. This process is called encryption, and the output is called ciphertext. While in transit or at rest, the data is kept in ciphertext form, so others cannot read the original plaintext.

When needed, the ciphertext is converted back to the original information using a decryption algorithm with a decryption key. This process is called decryption.

Cryptography helps protect confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information, and it supports secure communication across networks, applications, and devices.