# Introduction

**Cryptography** is the science of securing information by transforming it into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized parties can access or understand it. It plays a vital role in protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity in digital communications and systems.&#x20;

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Through methods like encryption, hashing, and digital signatures, cryptography prevents unauthorized access, tampering, and fraud. In the cybersecurity landscape, it is a fundamental tool used in securing everything from online transactions and communications to sensitive data storage.
