Re: Difference between encoding and encryption?

How's this:

Encoding is changing the way data is presented
- using a public, generally-understood, and (usually) low-overhead method
- for the purpose of allowing the data to survive intact and easily recoverable after some sort of transfer.

Encryption is changing the way data is presented
- using a method or a key that is restricted and (as it happens) often computationally intensive
- for the purpose of shielding the data from some people while making it available to others.

In short, encoding is for preservation, encryption is for obfuscation.

Comment on Re: Difference between encoding and encryption?

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Re^2: Difference between encoding and encryption? by Anonymous Monk on Jul 09, 2013 at 20:43 UTC
one easy distinction: encoding only requires an algorithm encryption requires an algorithm and a key If someone tells you something is encrypted, but they won't tell you where the key comes from, they are selling you snake oil. (e.g. people who think they are encrypting something, but they store the key "hidden" inside the program that reads the data)	[reply]