Cryptography is the science of securing communication and information through encryption techniques that transform readable data into encoded formats, ensuring only authorized parties can access it. It plays a crucial role in modern cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive data against cyber threats such as hacking, eavesdropping, and identity theft.

Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, making it fast and efficient but requiring secure key distribution.

Asymmetric encryption relies on a pair of public and private keys for secure communication, providing enhanced security but requiring more computational power.

TLS/SSL encryption is used to secure web browsing, ensuring data transmitted over the internet remains private and encrypted.

Digital signatures authenticate the origin of digital messages and documents, verifying their integrity and preventing tampering.

Blockchain cryptography secures decentralized transactions, ensuring transparency and immutability in distributed ledger systems.

As technology evolves, cryptography continues to advance with innovations such as quantum cryptography, which leverages quantum mechanics to create virtually unbreakable encryption. With increasing cyber threats, cryptography remains a cornerstone of digital security, ensuring data privacy, integrity, and confidentiality in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and government.