Enciphered is a verb that means to convert plain text into a code or cipher to keep it securely hidden. The phonetic transcription of the word "enciphered" in IPA is /ɛnˈsaɪfərd/. The first syllable is pronounced as "en," similar to 'hen.' The second syllable is pronounced as "sigh," similar to 'why.' The third syllable is pronounced as "fuh," similar to 'cup.' The fourth syllable is pronounced as "tuh," similar to 'cut.' The emphasis is on the second syllable.
The term "enciphered" refers to the process of transforming information or data into a coded or secret form, known as ciphertext, using an encryption algorithm or cipher. It involves converting the original message, also known as plaintext, into a format that is not easily understandable to unauthorized individuals, ensuring confidentiality and security during transmission or storage.
Enciphering follows a specific set of rules and techniques determined by the chosen encryption method. During the process, each character of the plaintext is substituted or rearranged according to the cryptographic algorithm, rendering it incomprehensible without proper decryption.
The purpose of enciphering is to protect sensitive or valuable information by making it inaccessible to unauthorized parties. Encrypted data appears as a random sequence of characters that does not reveal any meaningful information to those who do not possess the appropriate decryption key or method.
Enciphered messages have been used throughout history to safeguard personal, military, economic, or governmental communications, particularly in times of conflict or when secrecy is vital. Today, encryption plays a crucial role in securing numerous aspects of modern life, including online transactions, digital communications, cybersecurity, and data protection. Enciphering techniques continually evolve and adapt as technology advances, with new algorithms and encryption standards regularly being developed to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of encrypted data.
The word "enciphered" consists of the prefix "en-" and the root word "ciphered".
1. The prefix "en-" comes from various sources including Old English and Latin, and it generally indicates "to put into" or "to cause to be". It is used to form verbs that imply the initiation or completion of an action, as well as words that denote a change or transformation. In the case of "enciphered", the prefix "en-" suggests the action of putting something into a cipher.
2. The word "ciphered" is derived from the noun "cipher" meaning "a coded message" or "a system of secret writing" that dates back to the late 14th century. "Cipher" originated from the Arabic word "sifr" meaning "zero" or "empty", which later evolved to represent "a secret way of writing".