Frequently Asked Questions: Cryptography


Q: What is Cryptography?

A: Cryptography is the science of writing or solving codes. Cryptography is an essential element in keeping the "secrets" we wish to communicate to a select audience, truly "private" in today's electronic world.



Q: What is Encryption?

A: Encryption is the process of turning readable information, also referred to as cleartext or plaintext, into unreadable information, also referred to as ciphertext.



Q: What is Decryption?

A: The process of turning ciphertext back into cleartext is called decryption.



Q: Why do I need Encryption?

A: Encryption is an important security tool. It can protect information stored on computers, which may be vulnerable to unauthorized access or physical theft, and it provides a secure communications channel even if the underlying system is not secure.

Encryption technology provides a valuable means to enable security, confidentiality, integrity, authenticity, and trust in today's networked world.



Q: What is a cryptographic algorithm?

A: An algorithm is a formalized set of rules for carrying out a computation or solving a problem in a finite number of steps. A cryptographic algorithm is a method for transforming information, so that it is not intelligible until it is decrypted.



Q: Which algorithms are included with Constructive Key Management®?

A: CKM® applications are shipped with the following algorithms:


  • P2 Algorithm - P2 is TecSec®, Incorporated's patented high performance cryptographic algorithm.
  • Data Encryption Standard (DES) Algorithm - The Data Encryption Standard Algorithm, frequently referred to as DES, is widely used within government and financial organizations.
  • Triple-DES (DES3 or 3DES) - In general terms, the 3DES algorithm improves on the standard DES protection by encoding information three times with as many as three different keys.
  • TecSec's Identity Algorithm - The CKM Admin Tool is also shipped with TecSec's Identity algorithm. The Identity algorithm does not actually encrypt data but is used for debugging applications.
  • RSA PKCS - The RSA algorithm is an asymmetric algorithm used for encryption and signing. PKCS refers to the padding type applied to the data. This algorithm must be supplied if PKI interoperability is required.