1️⃣ Why is Encryption Important?

✅ Data Security: Protects sensitive information from hackers.
✅ Privacy: Ensures only authorized users can access data.
✅ Integrity: Prevents unauthorized modification of data.
✅ Compliance: Required for regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS.

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2️⃣ How Does Encryption Work?

Encryption uses algorithms to scramble data using a key. Without the key, the data appears as gibberish.

🔹 Example:
Plaintext: Hello, World!
🔒 Encrypted (AES-256): Xh+gP9Aq0j+34bL3Y=4gfQ==

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3️⃣ Types of Encryption

🔹 Symmetric Encryption (Private Key) 🔑

• Same key for encryption & decryption.
• Fast but requires secure key sharing.
• Example: AES, DES

🔹 Asymmetric Encryption (Public Key) 🔑🔑

• Uses a public key (encrypts) and a private key (decrypts).
• Used in SSL/TLS, digital signatures, cryptocurrency.
• Example: RSA, ECC

🔹 Hashing (One-Way Encryption) 🔄

• Converts data into a fixed-length hash.
• Cannot be reversed (used in password storage).
• Example: SHA-256, MD5

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4️⃣ Real-World Uses of Encryption

✔️ Online Banking & Payments – Protects credit card transactions.
✔️ Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Signal) – End-to-end encryption.
✔️ Wi-Fi Security (WPA2, WPA3) – Encrypts internet traffic.
✔️ Disk Encryption (BitLocker, FileVault) – Secures stored data.
✔️ Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies – Uses encryption for secure transactions.

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