1. Art or science concerning the principles, means, and methods for rendering plain information unintelligible and for restoring encrypted information to intelligible form. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC) 2. The discipline that embodies the principles, means, and methods for the transformation of data in order to hide their semantic content, prevent their unauthorized use, or prevent their undetected modification. Source: NIST SP 800-59 3. The discipline that embodies the principles, means, and methods for the providing information security, including confidentiality, data integrity, non-repudiation, and authenticity. 2nd Source: NIST SP 800-21 edition
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1. Art or science concerning the principles, means, and methods for rendering plain information unintelligible and for restoring encrypted information to intelligible form. Source: NSA/CSS Manual Number 3-16 (COMSEC) 2. The discipline that embodies the principles, means, and methods for the transformation of data in order to hide their semantic content, prevent their unauthorized use, or prevent their undetected modification. Source: NIST SP 800-59 3. The discipline that embodies the principles, means, and methods for the providing information security, including confidentiality, data integrity, non-repudiation, and authenticity. 2nd Source: NIST SP 800-21 edition
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Cryptography. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/cryptography
Sources
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High consensus
02
Disputed
03
Multi-source
04
Disputed
05
Disputed
06
Multi-source
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Multi-source
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