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

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

• A. Encryption
• B. Decryption
• C. Cipher
• D. Random Substitution Cipher

Answer: (C)

Cipher is the generic term for the technique or algorithm used to turn readable information into unreadable data. It describes the set of rules that transform plaintext into ciphertext. Encryption is the act of applying that cipher to produce ciphertext, while decryption is using the inverse process to recover the original message. A random substitution cipher is a specific type of cipher, not the broad term for the encryption technique.

Cipher is the generic term for the technique or algorithm used to turn readable information into unreadable data. It describes the set of rules that transform plaintext into ciphertext. Encryption is the act of applying that cipher to produce ciphertext, while decryption is using the inverse process to recover the original message. A random substitution cipher is a specific type of cipher, not the broad term for the encryption technique.