Cryptography vs Cyber Security



Data has become essential part in our lives. Therefore, protecting our data becomes important. Information hiding is the process of cryptography. Many cipher algorithms exist. We are going to talk about the differences between cryptography and cyber security in this chapter.

What is Cryptography?

Cryptography is a technique for sending encrypted connections and data using software so that the information is only understood by the intended recipient. With this mode of operation, unauthorised users are unable to access the information.

In cryptography, a few computations known as algorithms along with some numerical theories are used to encrypt data. Then, the encoded data is transmitted, creating a challenge for mediators to locate the original data. These guidelines are applied to all of your financial transactions for the generation of cryptographic keys, digital signatures, authentication, and transaction protection.

Different forms of cryptography exist: Hash function, Asymmetric key cryptography, and Symmetric key cryptography

What is Cyber Security?

The process of protecting computer systems, networks, and programs from online threats, attack, and unauthorised access is known as cyber security. The attacks attempt to access, alter, or damage critical data in some way, demand money from individuals or organisations, or even disrupt ordinary business operations.

There are different types of Cyber Security: Network Security, Information or Data Security, Identity Management, Operation Security and Mobile Security.

  • Network Security − It contains executing the hardware and software to achieve a computer network from unauthorized access, intruders, attacks, disruption, and exploitation. This security supports an organization to secure its assets against external and internal threats.
  • Information or Data Security − It contains executing a strong data storage mechanism to support the integrity and privacy of information, both in storage and in transit.
  • Identity management − It deals with the procedure for deciding the level of access that each individual has inside an organization.
  • Operational Security − It contains processing and creating decisions on managing and securing data assets.
  • Mobile Security − It contains securing the organizational and personal information saved on mobile devices including cell phones, computers, tablets, and other similar devices against several malicious threats. These threats are permitted access, device loss or fraud, malware, etc.

Difference between Cryptography and Cyber Security

Here is the table with the differences between Cryptography and Cybersecurity −

Basis of Difference Cryptography Cybersecurity
Definition Cryptography is all about securing information by turning it into a code that can't be read by unauthorized people. Cybersecurity is about protecting computers, networks, and data from being attacked or accessed without permission.
Focus The main aim is to keep data private and make sure it hasn't been tampered with by using techniques like encryption and decryption. It aims to stop unauthorized access, attacks, and damage to digital systems and information.
Techniques Used It uses methods for instance encryption (which involves turning data into a code), decryption (which in turn involves turning the code back into data), hashing (creation of a unique digital fingerprint for data), and digital signatures (which can be used to validate the identity of the sender). The task consists of engaging firewalls for unauthorized entrance blocking, antivirus programs for identifying malwares and getting rid of them, intrusion detection mechanisms which operate an alert on any doubtful circumstances that may occur, security protocols are put in place to guide communication security rules for communication which is secure.
Goal The goal is to keep information safe and private. The goal is to protect everything in the digital world from cyber attacks.
Applications It's used in things like secure messaging, online banking, and safe data storage. It's used to secure networks, protect information, ensure safe operations, and recover from security breaches.
Key Concepts Important ideas include symmetric encryption (same key for encrypting and decrypting), asymmetric encryption (different keys for encrypting and decrypting), and cryptographic algorithms (rules for coding and decoding data). Important ideas include understanding threats, vulnerabilities, risk management, and security policies (rules for keeping things safe).
Examples Examples are SSL/TLS (which keeps web browsing safe) and PGP (which secures emails). Examples include using antivirus programs, setting up firewalls, and conducting security audits to find and fix weaknesses.

Summary

The primary objective of cryptography is to protect data while maintaining data integrity and privacy by using encryption techniques to convert it into unreadable formats. Cybersecurity protects computers, networks, and data from attacks and unauthorised access by using tools like firewalls and antivirus software. Both are designed to secure data, but cryptography focuses on data privacy, cybersecurity provides far greater protection.

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