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Definition
An encryption (also called enciphering) is a mapping of plaintext to ciphertext based on some chosen keytext. It is performed by a stepwise application of a (more or less formalized) encryption algorithm (Cryptosystem).
An encryption step is an encryption applied to a particular sequence of plaintext characters, using, in a way that depends on the encryption key, a particular encryption rule of an encryption algorithm.
Often padding is necessary to give the message the proper length as required by the encryption algorithm. With padding, one also means the filling of gaps between meaningful messages, frequently by special padding characters (called nulls). Both meaningful messages and padding characters are encrypted, thus masking the occurrence of idle times. Careless padding may corrupt some encryption systems.
A product cipher or superencryption consists of an encryption A applied to the result of encryption B; it is denoted...
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Recommended Reading
Bauer FL (1997) Decrypted secrets. In: Methods and maxims of cryptology. Springer, Berlin
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Bauer, F.L. (2011). Encryption. In: van Tilborg, H.C.A., Jajodia, S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cryptography and Security. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5906-5_168
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5906-5_168
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