Plaintext

• Start with readable, meaningful data
• Recognize it as fully vulnerable
• Treat it as the exposed input
• Protect it before transmission

Encrypt

• Run an algorithm with a key
• Scramble the readable data
• Produce the protected output
• Keep the key secret

Ciphertext

• Output looks like random noise
• Useless without the correct key
• Safe to transmit or store
• Stays scrambled if intercepted

Decrypt

• Apply the correct key to reverse
• Run the algorithm in reverse
• Restore the original plaintext
• Deliver to the intended recipient

Symmetric Keys

• Use one shared key for both ends
• Move fast and efficiently
• Share the key securely
• Guard it as a single secret

Asymmetric Keys

• Pair a public and private key
• Encrypt with the public key
• Decrypt with the private key
• Keep the private key secret

Comms Security

• Protect messages, intel, and orders
• Defeat interception
• Secure field communications
• Verify the intended recipient

Beyond Comms

• Encrypt files, drives, databases
• Protect data at rest if captured
• Authenticate identity, block impersonation
• Detect tampering, ensure integrity