Final answer:
Data ready to be encrypted, known as plaintext, is converted into ciphertext through encryption, requiring a decryption key to revert it back to its original form for secure communication and data protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
At its most basic level, encryption is the process of protecting information or data by using mathematical models to scramble it in such a way that only the parties who have the key to unscramble it can access it. Data that is getting ready to be encrypted or scrambled refers to plaintext or clear text. Encryption is a method used in cryptography to convert plaintext into ciphertext, which is a scrambled form of the data that looks like random characters.
This process ensures that the data is not easily readable by unauthorized individuals. Once encrypted, the data can be transmitted securely over networks or stored safely. To restore the ciphertext back to its original form, which is the plaintext, the correct decryption key is required. It's important for the security of encrypted data that the keys are kept confidential. Cryptography is widely used in various applications, such as secure communications, online transactions, and protecting sensitive information.