Question 1

What is cryptography?

Accepted Answer

Cryptography is like writing secret messages that only certain people can read. It's used to keep things private and safe online.

Question 2

Why do we need cryptography?

Accepted Answer

We need cryptography to keep our secrets safe, like our passwords or private messages, so that no one else can read them without our permission.

Question 3

How does cryptography work?

Accepted Answer

Cryptography works by turning regular messages into jumbled ones that only someone with the right key can put back together and read.

Question 4

What is a cipher?

Accepted Answer

A cipher is a way to change a message so it becomes a secret message. It's like a secret code language that only certain people can understand.

Question 5

What is a key in cryptography?

Accepted Answer

A key is like a special password that helps you unlock secret messages and turn them back into normal ones that you can read.

Question 6

Can anyone make a secret code?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anyone can create a secret code by making a simple rule for changing letters or numbers in their messages. It's like making your own secret language.

Question 7

What is encryption?

Accepted Answer

Encryption is the process of turning a regular message into a secret message using cryptography, so that it's safe and private.

Question 8

What does it mean to decrypt a message?

Accepted Answer

Decrypting a message means taking a secret message and turning it back into a regular message that you can read using the right key.

Question 9

Why is it important to keep our online information safe?

Accepted Answer

Keeping our online information safe is important because it protects us from people who might want to steal our money or pretend to be us.

Question 10

What is a password?

Accepted Answer

A password is like a secret word or phrase that you use to prove who you are, so you can access your accounts and keep them safe.

Question 11

What happens if someone else knows your password?

Accepted Answer

If someone else knows your password, they can pretend to be you online and see your private information, so it's important to keep it a secret.

Question 12

What's a good way to create a strong password?

Accepted Answer

A strong password is one that is hard to guess, using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and is not just your name or birthday.

Question 13

What is a digital signature?

Accepted Answer

A digital signature is like a handwritten signature but for online messages. It shows that the message really comes from the person who sent it.

Question 14

How does a digital signature keep things safe?

Accepted Answer

A digital signature keeps things safe by proving that the message hasn’t been changed and that it really comes from the person who sent it.

Question 15

What does it mean for a message to be secure?

Accepted Answer

For a message to be secure, it means that only the right people can read it and it's safe from anyone trying to change it.

Question 16

How do websites keep our information safe?

Accepted Answer

Websites keep our information safe by using encryption, which turns our personal information into secret code while it's being sent over the internet.

Question 17

What is a hacker?

Accepted Answer

A hacker is someone who tries to break into computers and steal information. Sometimes hackers can be bad, but some use their skills to help make computers safer.

Question 18

Can a computer virus hurt my computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a computer virus can make your computer sick by deleting files or stealing personal information, so it's important to keep your computer protected.

Question 19

What is antivirus software?

Accepted Answer

Antivirus software is a program that helps keep your computer safe from viruses and hackers by checking for threats and getting rid of them.

Question 20

Why should we be careful about what we share online?

Accepted Answer

We should be careful about what we share online because once something is shared, it can be hard to take back, and it might be seen by people we don't know.

The Basics of Cryptography and Secure Communication - 20 FAQs Explained Simply