Cryptology is the study of encoding and decoding messages and the study of the mathematical foundations of cryptographic messages. The processes involved in cryptology rely on the principles of mathematics and statistics, and encompass areas such as probability theory, number theory, abstract algebra, and formula analysis.

Cryptography is the art of creating a code for a secret message, and is also known as encryption, or encrypting a message. Cryptanalysis is the art of breaking, or decrypting, the message without the use of the appropriate key. In other words, code-breakers are individuals who intercept or retrieve information not intended for them.

Historic Overview

The word "cryptology" comes from the Greek word kryptos, which means hidden. Cryptology dates back at least 4,000 years to its earliest recorded use in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Historically, the primary motivation for secure communications has been military: namely to keep the enemy from learning of plans even...