decryption

/diˈkrɪpʃən/

Other forms: decryptions

The process of breaking a code to make information easily understandable is decryption. During World War II, the western Allies used decryption to decode secret messages between Germans that contained military strategy.

While spies have used decryption for generations to decipher coded messages, it's only recently that most decryption occurs on computers. These days, almost all data is encrypted, concealed or protected by being converted to a code. Whether you enter a credit card number to buy something online or simply send an email, your information is encrypted to protect your privacy. Thanks to decryption, your card can be processed and your email can be read by its recipient.

Definitions of decryption

1. noun

   the activity of making clear or converting from code into plain text
   “a secret key or password is required for decryption”

   synonyms: decipherment, decoding

   types:

   decompression

   restoring compressed information to its normal form for use or display

   type of:

   coding, cryptography, secret writing, steganography

   act of writing in code or cipher