[Carlos Martes]

Cryptography is the process of protecting information by converting it into a secure format that only authorized users can understand. t ensures that sensitive data, such as passwords, financial records, or personal information that stays private and cannot be accessed by hackers. Cryptography helps maintain data integrity, meaning the information cannot be changed or tampered with without detection. Common methods include encryption, which scrambles data into unreadable code, and hashing, in which verifies that data has not been altered. Digital signatures also play a key role by confirming that a message or file truly came from a trusted source. These tools work together to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information. In todays digital world, cryptography is essential for secure communication, online banking and protecting company and personal data from cyber threats, helping organizations build trust and maintain compliance with security standards.