What is the generic term for a technique (or algorithm) that performs encryption?

Study for the CodeHS AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

What is the generic term for a technique (or algorithm) that performs encryption?

Explanation:
Cipher is the general term for a method or algorithm used to encode information. It specifies the rules for transforming plaintext into ciphertext, often using a key to determine the exact transformation. Encryption is the act of applying a cipher to hide the message, while decryption is reversing that process to recover the original text. A random substitution cipher is a specific type of cipher, not the broad term. So the term that best fits is Cipher.

Cipher is the general term for a method or algorithm used to encode information. It specifies the rules for transforming plaintext into ciphertext, often using a key to determine the exact transformation. Encryption is the act of applying a cipher to hide the message, while decryption is reversing that process to recover the original text. A random substitution cipher is a specific type of cipher, not the broad term. So the term that best fits is Cipher.

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