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Encryption

nouncandidate·updated May 9, 2026

The process of changing plaintext into ciphertext for the purpose of security or privacy.

Framework senses

SANS Glossary of Security Terms1 senseview framework →
§1
Cryptographic transformation of data (called "plaintext") into a form (called "cipher text") that conceals the data's original meaning to prevent it from being known or used.
National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Cybersecurity Lexicon1 senseview framework →
§1 · extended_definition_available
The process of transforming plaintext into ciphertext.
ISACA Cybersecurity Glossary1 senseview framework →
§1
The process of taking an unencrypted message (plaintext), applying a mathematical function to it (encryption algorithm with a key) and producing an encrypted message (ciphertext)
NY DFS Part 500 (NYCRR Title 23, Chapter 1, Part 500)1 senseview framework →
§1
The process of rendering plaintext unintelligible by converting it to ciphertext that can be read only by those with the knowledge to decode the plaintext from the ciphertext. (SAA: Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology).
NERC CIP-005-5 (Electronic Security Perimeters) v51 senseview framework →
§1
The process of rendering plaintext unintelligible by converting it to ciphertext that can be read only by those with the knowledge to decode the plaintext from the ciphertext. (SAA: Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology).
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) IT Examination Handbook Infobase, Glossary1 senseview framework →
§1
A data security technique used to protect information from unauthorized inspection or alteration. Information is encoded so that data appears as a meaningless string of letters and symbols during delivery or transmission. Upon receipt, the information is decoded using an encryption key.
NISTIR 7298: Glossary of Key Information Security Terms, Revision 22 sensesview framework →
§1
Conversion of plaintext to ciphertext through the use of a cryptographic algorithm.
§2 · sense_2_pending_review
The process of changing plaintext into ciphertext for the purpose of security or privacy.
CNSSI-4009 (Glossary of Information Assurance Terms)1 senseview framework →
§1
The process of changing plaintext into ciphertext for the purpose of security or privacy.
NIST SP 800-211 senseview framework →
§1
The process of changing plaintext into ciphertext for the purpose of security or privacy.
FIPS PUB 1851 senseview framework →
§1
Conversion of plaintext to ciphertext through the use of a cryptographic algorithm.