Cryptography is the practice of securing information by transforming it into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized parties can access it. This is achieved through various techniques, including encryption and decryption, which protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. In today's digital age, cryptography plays a crucial role in safeguarding communications, financial transactions, and personal information. It underpins technologies such as SSL/TLS for secure web browsing and blockchain for secure digital transactions, making it an essential component of modern cybersecurity strategies.