Encryption Formats
Encryption formats are standardized methods and structures for encoding data to protect its confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity during storage or transmission. They define how plaintext is transformed into ciphertext using cryptographic algorithms, keys, and metadata such as initialization vectors or padding schemes. Common examples include file formats like PGP/GPG, symmetric formats like AES-CBC, and asymmetric formats like RSA-OAEP.
Developers should learn encryption formats when building secure applications that handle sensitive data, such as financial transactions, healthcare records, or user credentials, to ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. They are essential for implementing end-to-end encryption in messaging apps, securing data at rest in databases or cloud storage, and protecting API communications in web and mobile applications.