Cryptography is the practice of securing information by transforming it into a format that is unreadable to unauthorized users. This process involves using algorithms and keys to encrypt data, ensuring that only those with the correct key can decrypt and access the original information. It plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive data, such as personal information and financial transactions. The field of cryptography encompasses various techniques, including symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, and asymmetric encryption, which uses a pair of keys. Cryptography is essential for maintaining privacy and security in digital communications, such as emails and online banking.