Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is a type of encryption that uses the mathematics of elliptic curves to secure data. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on large prime numbers, ECC can achieve the same level of security with smaller keys. This makes it faster and more efficient, especially for devices with limited processing power, like smartphones and IoT devices.
ECC works by creating a unique curve defined by a mathematical equation. Points on this curve can be used to generate keys for encrypting and decrypting information. As a result, ECC is becoming increasingly popular for securing online communications, digital signatures, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.