Encryption

noun

say it: “en-KRIP-shun” /ɪnˈkrɪpʃən/

Scrambling data with a key so only someone with the right key can read it again.

What is Encryption?

Encryption — Scrambling data with a key so that only someone with the right key can turn it back. Unlike hashing, it's meant to be undone: HTTPS encrypts each request so only the server can read it.

In a sentence

• “HTTPS uses encryption, so nobody on the network can read the card number.”

Level: Apprentice · More Web Development terms at this level

Updated October 28, 2026