Encryption - Definition from the Hotspot Shield Glossary

At its most basic definition, encryption is the translation of data into an unreadable code sequence to allow the secure transferal of information. The encryption process involves using a “key” or password that is used to both encrypt and decrypt the data. Only the devices involved have access to the key and the information cannot otherwise be decrypted which means the data cannot be tampered with in any way.

In a basic example, device A will use its key to encrypt the data and then send it to device B - In its current cipher form, device B cannot read the data therefore it uses its own key and decrypts the information into plain text so it can be understood. The two main types of encryption are Asymmetric and Symmetric.