What is a ciphertext?

The correct answer is B. The encrypted message. Ciphertext refers to the encrypted (scrambled) form of a message - the output produced after applying an encryption algorithm and key to readable data. Option A describes plaintext, which is the original, readable message before encryption occurs. Option C describes the…

Cryptography

Question

Options

AThe original message before encryption
BThe encrypted message
CThe key used to encrypt the message
DThe algorithm used to encrypt the message

How the community answered

(48 responses)

A
4% (2)
B
85% (41)
C
8% (4)
D
2% (1)

Explanation

Ciphertext refers to the encrypted (scrambled) form of a message - the output produced after applying an encryption algorithm and key to readable data. Option A describes plaintext, which is the original, readable message before encryption occurs. Option C describes the encryption key, the secret value used to lock/unlock the message, and Option D describes the cipher or encryption algorithm itself (e.g., AES, RSA), which is the procedure used to perform the transformation.

Memory tip: Think of the "cipher" in ciphertext as the lock - once a message is run through the cipher, you get ciphertext, the locked-up, unreadable result. Plain → cipher = plaintext → ciphertext.

Topics

#ciphertext#encryption#plaintext#cryptography basics

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