Encryption
Names and abbreviations on this page
NIST — National Institute of Standards and Technology. A United States agency developing measurement science, standards and technology guidance.
Technology terms & practical skills
What it means
Encryption transforms readable information into a protected form that requires an appropriate key to read. It can protect information stored on a device or moving between systems. It does not prevent every scam, harmful download or misuse by an authorized recipient.
Related skills
Recognize protectionDistinguish device encryption from an encrypted connection.
Protect accessUse supported device locks and manage recovery information carefully.
Limit disclosureCheck the recipient before sending private documents.
An everyday example
A secure connection can protect a rental application while it travels to a website. It does not establish that the website's operator is trustworthy. Verify the destination independently before providing identification.
What to check
Losing a recovery key can make encrypted information inaccessible. A padlock indicator is not a guarantee that a business is legitimate.