Encryption algorithms are mathematical procedures used to convert plain text into a coded format, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. These algorithms use keys, which are secret values that determine how the data is transformed. Common types of encryption include symmetric encryption, where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, and asymmetric encryption, which uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. These algorithms play a crucial role in securing sensitive information, such as online transactions and personal communications. By ensuring that only authorized parties can access the original data, encryption algorithms help protect privacy and maintain data integrity in various applications, including email security and secure file storage.