Cryptanalysis: meaning, definitions and examples

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cryptanalysis

 

[ ˌkrɪptəˈnæləsɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

security

The process of analyzing and deciphering encrypted messages or codes in order to reveal their hidden meaning or content. Cryptanalysis involves various techniques such as frequency analysis, brute force attacks, and statistical analysis.

Synonyms

codebreaking, cryptoanalysis, decryption.

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Word Description / Examples
cryptanalysis

Primarily used in academic and professional settings to describe the study and methods used to decode encrypted information.

  • She specializes in cryptanalysis and often publishes papers on breaking modern encryption algorithms.
  • Cryptanalysis is a critical skill for cybersecurity experts.
codebreaking

Commonly used to describe the practice of deciphering coded messages, often with historical and practical connotations, such as during wartime.

  • The story of the Enigma machine is a famous example of World War II codebreaking.
  • He was fascinated by the process of codebreaking in spy novels.
decryption

Specifically refers to the process of converting encoded data back into its original form, commonly used in both technical and everyday contexts.

  • The software enables quick decryption of encrypted files.
  • Successful decryption of the message revealed the hidden plan.
cryptoanalysis

Often used interchangeably with cryptanalysis in informal contexts, but less commonly seen in professional literature.

  • She attended a seminar on cryptoanalysis techniques.
  • Cryptoanalysis requires a deep understanding of mathematical principles.

Examples of usage

  • The cryptanalysis of the Enigma machine played a crucial role in World War II.
  • Modern cryptanalysis relies heavily on computer algorithms to break encryption codes.
  • One of the challenges of cryptanalysis is to distinguish between random noise and actual meaningful data.

Translations

Translations of the word "cryptanalysis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 criptoanálise

🇮🇳 क्रिप्टोविश्लेषण

🇩🇪 Kryptoanalyse

🇮🇩 kriptanalisis

🇺🇦 криптоаналіз

🇵🇱 kryptanaliza

🇯🇵 暗号解読 (あんごうかいどく)

🇫🇷 cryptanalyse

🇪🇸 criptoanálisis

🇹🇷 kriptoanaliz

🇰🇷 암호 해독 (암호 해독)

🇸🇦 تحليل الشفرات

🇨🇿 kryptanalýza

🇸🇰 kryptanalýza

🇨🇳 密码分析 (mìmǎ fēnxī)

🇸🇮 kriptanaliza

🇮🇸 dulmálsgreining

🇰🇿 криптоаналіз

🇬🇪 კრიპტოანალიზი

🇦🇿 kriptotəhlil

🇲🇽 criptoanálisis

Etymology

The term 'cryptanalysis' originated from the Greek words kryptós (hidden) and analýein (to loosen or untie). The practice of cryptanalysis dates back to ancient civilizations, where secret messages were often encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. Throughout history, cryptanalysis has played a significant role in warfare, espionage, and information security.

See also: crypt, cryptanalyst, cryptanalytics, cryptic, crypto, cryptogram, cryptography, cryptology, cryptosystem, decrypt, encrypt.