Final answer:
Encryption algorithms are the methods that outline how data is transformed from plaintext to ciphertext. The cipher within the algorithm is the element that performs the encryption, employing operations like substitution and transposition to secure the data.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it is said that encryption algorithms are the overall designs of the ciphers themselves, it means that the encryption algorithms are the systematic methods used to convert plaintext into ciphertext. This process is crucial for securing data by making it incomprehensible to unauthorized users. The cipher is a specific set of steps within the algorithm that actually performs the encryption based on a key.
An encryption algorithm will define operations like substitution, transposition, and various combinations thereof. Algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) follow specific processes to achieve secure encryption. The integrity and strength of an encryption algorithm are fundamental to ensuring that data remains secure during transmission or while at rest.