Difference between Cryptography and Cryptology

Last Updated : 29 Mar, 2024

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Cryptography is defined as the study of rules and regulations that protect data from unauthorized access and it is also the study of conversion of plain text to cipher text. On the other hand, Cryptology is the study of the conversion of plain text to ciphertext and vice versa. It is also called the study of encryption and decryption. One major difference between both is that Cryptology is the superset of Cryptography.

Cryptography vs Cryptology

What is Cryptography?

Cryptography is the study of converting plain text(readable format) to ciphertext(non-readable format), also called encryption. Cryptography involves various algorithms and protocols to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. Cryptography has a wide range of uses nowadays, including secure web communication, online money management, and safe data storage. It is also used in military & government communications, and electronic voting systems. Cryptography is a key component of data security, and its advancement has been important in protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Cryptography and Cryptology

What is Cryptology?

Cryptology is the study of both cryptography (conversion of data from plain text to cipher text) and cryptanalysis (the determination of how to access the data without the necessary cryptographic key). Cryptology includes a broader scope than cryptography, including analyses of numerical frameworks, calculations, and hypothetical cryptographic perspectives.

Difference between Cryptography and Cryptology

Parameters	Cryptography	Cryptology
Definition	Cryptography is the process of conversion of plain text to cipher text.	Cryptology Is the process of conversion of plain text to cipher text and vice versa.
User Side	Cryptography takes place on the sender’s side	It takes place on the sender and receiver side
Study Focus	It is also called the study of encryption and decryption.	Cryptography is also called the study of encryption
Message Exchange	In Cryptography, the sender sends the message to the receiver.	In Cryptology, both the sender and receiver send messages to each other.
Relationship	Cryptography can be seen as the subset of Cryptology.	Cryptology can be seen as the superset of Cryptography
Scope	Cryptography deals with the techniques of secure communication.	Cryptology deals with the study of secure communication.
Focus	Cryptography focuses on the practice of hiding information	Cryptology focuses on the theoretical and mathematical aspects of information security
Components	Cryptography involves encryption, decryption, and authentication techniques	Cryptology involves the study of codes, ciphers, and cryptanalysis
Activities	Cryptography is concerned with developing algorithms and protocols	Cryptology is concerned with analyzing and breaking existing encryption methods
Applications	Cryptography is utilized in various fields such as finance, e-commerce, and national security	Cryptology is utilized in academia and research to understand and improve encryption

Frequently Asked Questions on Cryptography and Cryptology – FAQs

Explain types of Cryptography?

There are two typs of cryptography:
Symmetric Key Cryptography
Asymmetric Key Cryptography

How is Cryptology used?

Individuals and organizations use cryptologyto protect their privacy and keep their conversations and data secure. Cryptology maintains data confidentiality by encrypting data using an algorithm with a key known only by the sender and receiver.

What is the formula for Cryptography?

Caesar Cypher is one of the simplest cryptographic algorithms. This approach requires two inputs a number and plaintext. The time and space complexity are both O(N). The encryption formula is En(x) = (x + n) mod 26, the decryption formula is Dn(x) = (x – n) mod 26.