ASCII armored is a term used to describe data that has been encoded in ASCII format for secure storage or transmission. The spelling of the word is pronounced as /ˈæski ˈɑrmərd/, with the stress on the first syllable. The term ASCII refers to American Standard Code for Information Interchange, while armored means covered or protected. Together, they imply the secure encoding of data in ASCII format to prevent unauthorized access or viewing. This spelling is commonly used in computer and telecommunications industries to describe secure data transmission.
ASCII armored refers to a method of encoding data, specifically binary data, such as a file or message, into a sequence of ASCII characters. The process involves transforming the binary data into a textual representation using the ASCII character set. This technique is often utilized to securely transmit or store binary information over text-based communication channels, such as email or text files, which may not be designed for direct binary transmission.
ASCII armored data typically consists of a combination of printable ASCII characters with a defined format that allows the original binary data to be retrieved accurately. The encoding process typically involves converting each binary byte of the data into a sequence of ASCII characters that can be easily transmitted or stored within a text-based medium. This binary-to-text encoding preserves the integrity of the data while ensuring that it remains human-readable.
ASCII armored data can be decoded back into its original binary form using the reverse process, which involves parsing the ASCII characters and reconstructing the binary data byte by byte. The resulting binary data can then be utilized by computers or software applications in its original intended format.
This encoding technique is often employed in the encryption and decryption of data, as well as in the secure transmission of files and messages. By converting binary data into ASCII armored format, information can be safeguarded during transmission or storage, even in situations where direct binary transfer is not feasible.
The term "ASCII armored" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two distinct words: "ASCII" and "armored".
"ASCII" stands for the American Standard Code for Information Interchange, which is a character encoding standard widely used for representing text in computers and communication systems. It was first published in 1963 and has since become a fundamental part of computer programming and communication protocols.
"Armored" refers to the concept of protecting or encasing something with armor, which can be seen as a metaphorical representation of securing or protecting data, typically in the context of data encryption or encoding.
When combined, "ASCII armored" usually refers to a technique or method of encoding or encrypting data, specifically text-based data, in a format that can be easily transmitted or stored using ASCII characters. This term is often used in the context of securely transmitting sensitive or confidential information over email or other communication channels.