Unencrypted data that is meant to be encrypted before it is transmitted, or the result of decryption of encrypted data.

Unencrypted data that is meant to be encrypted before it is transmitted, or the result of decryption of encrypted data.

• A. Ciphertext
• B. Plaintext
• C. Cryptography
• D. Algorithm

Answer: (B)

Plaintext is the readable form of data, either before encryption or after decryption. The description matches plaintext because it refers to data that has not yet been encrypted (or has just been decrypted) and is thus readable. Ciphertext is the encrypted, unreadable form produced by encryption. Cryptography is the field that studies such processes, and an algorithm is the specific method used to perform encryption and decryption.

Plaintext is the readable form of data, either before encryption or after decryption. The description matches plaintext because it refers to data that has not yet been encrypted (or has just been decrypted) and is thus readable. Ciphertext is the encrypted, unreadable form produced by encryption. Cryptography is the field that studies such processes, and an algorithm is the specific method used to perform encryption and decryption.