encryption

noun

en·​cryp·​tion in-ˈkrip-shən How to pronounce encryption (audio)
en-
plural encryptions
1
: the act or process of encrypting something : a conversion of something (such as data) into a code or cipher
The regulations … make it harder to provide automatic encryption of information as it passes through the dozens of links in a typical Internet connection …Paul Wallich
… a hacker slips into a system, then puts encryption controls in place that locks users out.Elizabeth Millard
2
: a code or cipher produced by encrypting something
Artificial intelligence can decode encryptions that previously could not be cracked.Ana Swanson

Examples of encryption in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web American law enforcement’s efforts to block end-to-end encryption in messaging have faded in recent months as Congress has moved on to other approaches. Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 This includes, but is not limited to, your current encryption algorithms. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 For, example, hackers aware of the timing of a key computation, SMA, in the AES encryption process can glean secrets from a chip. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Feb. 2024 Such attacks aren’t yet a broad threat today, but Apple is preparing for a future where bad actors try to unwind current encryption standards and iMessage’s security layers with the help of massively powerful computers. Chris Welch, The Verge, 21 Feb. 2024 Apple says its setup will apply its post-quantum protections to the creation of encryption keys and the exchange of messages, including if someone’s encryption key has been compromised by an attacker. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 21 Feb. 2024 What the court just said about encryption could well prove influential if and when the U.K. government decides to use its new Online Safety Act powers to try forcing a service like Signal to undermine users’ encryption. David Meyer, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2024 The account password plays a central role in the encryption process. PCMAG, 18 Jan. 2024 It’s thought that in the future, quantum computers will be able to overcome encryption levels available today. David Phelan, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encryption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encryption was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near encryption

Cite this Entry

“Encryption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encryption. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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