Decryption is taking encoded or encrypted text or other data and converting it back into text you or the computer can read and understand. This term could describe a method of unencrypting the data manually or unencrypting the data using the proper codes or keys.

Data may be encrypted to make it difficult for someone to steal the information. Some companies also encrypt data to protect company data and trade secrets. If this data needs to be viewable, it may require decryption. If a decryption passcode or key is unavailable, special software may be needed to decrypt the data using algorithms to crack the decryption and make the data readable.

Algorithm, Decode, Encrypt, Security terms

The act of decryption may also be called unencrypt or unencryption.

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