# cryptography

> practice and study of secure communication techniques

**Wikidata**: [Q8789](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8789)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptography)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cryptography

## Summary
Cryptography is the practice and study of secure communication techniques, ensuring that information remains confidential and tamper-proof. It is a specialized field within security engineering, focusing on the design and implementation of systems that protect data from unauthorized access.

## Key Facts
- Cryptography is a subclass of security engineering and technique.
- It includes various subfields such as quantum cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, symmetric-key algorithms, and public-key cryptography.
- Cryptography is practiced by cryptographers and is an academic discipline.
- The history of cryptography is significant, with notable events like the crypto wars.
- Cryptography is related to various organizations and individuals, such as Crypto AG, a Swiss company supplying cryptographic equipment since 1952.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the main goal of cryptography?
A: The main goal of cryptography is to ensure secure communication by protecting information from unauthorized access and tampering.

### Q: What are some subfields of cryptography?
A: Subfields of cryptography include quantum cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, symmetric-key algorithms, and public-key cryptography.

### Q: Who practices cryptography?
A: Cryptography is practiced by cryptographers, who are specialists in secure communication techniques.

### Q: What is the history of cryptography?
A: The history of cryptography includes significant events like the crypto wars and the development of various cryptographic techniques over time.

### Q: What is Crypto AG?
A: Crypto AG is a Swiss company that has been supplying cryptographic equipment since 1952.

## Why It Matters
Cryptography plays a crucial role in modern society by ensuring the security and privacy of digital communications. It is essential for protecting sensitive information in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government. Cryptography enables secure online transactions, confidential communications, and the protection of personal data. Without cryptography, the internet as we know it would be vulnerable to cyber threats, making it a fundamental component of cybersecurity.

## Notable For
- Being a specialized field within security engineering.
- Including subfields like quantum cryptography and post-quantum cryptography.
- Having a significant history with events like the crypto wars.
- Being practiced by specialized professionals known as cryptographers.
- Being related to notable organizations like Crypto AG.

## Body
### Overview
Cryptography is the practice and study of secure communication techniques. It is a specialized field within security engineering, focusing on the design and implementation of systems that protect data from unauthorized access.

### Subfields
Cryptography encompasses various subfields, including:
- Quantum cryptography: Cryptography that is secure against quantum computers.
- Post-quantum cryptography: Cryptography designed to be secure against the potential threat of quantum computing.
- Symmetric-key algorithms: Cryptographic algorithms that use the same key for encryption and decryption.
- Public-key cryptography: Cryptographic algorithms that use a pair of keys, one public and one private.

### History
The history of cryptography includes significant events like the crypto wars, which were a series of conflicts between governments and technology companies over the use of encryption. Cryptography has evolved over time, with various techniques and algorithms being developed to enhance security.

### Practitioners
Cryptography is practiced by cryptographers, who are specialists in secure communication techniques. These professionals work in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government, to ensure the security and privacy of digital communications.

### Related Organizations
Cryptography is related to various organizations, such as Crypto AG, a Swiss company that has been supplying cryptographic equipment since 1952. Crypto AG has played a significant role in the development and dissemination of cryptographic technologies.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Cryptography",
  "description": "The practice and study of secure communication techniques.",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptography",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8447", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptography"],
  "additionalType": "Academic Discipline"
}

## References

1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=10374)
2. Nuovo soggettario
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4. [Source](http://datos.bne.es/tema/XX4659806.html)
5. BBC Things
6. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
7. BabelNet
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9. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Cryptography-XY4PZB)
10. National Library of Israel
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12. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316)
13. GF WordNet
14. [crypto · GitHub Topics · GitHub](https://github.com/topics/crypto)
15. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
16. Wikibase TDKIV