Which term refers to data that is readable and not encrypted?

Which term refers to data that is readable and not encrypted?

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

Answer: (A)

Plaintext refers to data in its readable, unencrypted form. It is the original content that can be read and understood without applying any decryption. When data is encrypted, it becomes ciphertext, which looks like random data and can only be read again after decryption with the proper key and method. An algorithm is the procedure used to perform encryption or decryption, not the state of the data itself. Cryptography is the broader field that studies these methods and principles, not a descriptor of whether data is readable.

Plaintext refers to data in its readable, unencrypted form. It is the original content that can be read and understood without applying any decryption. When data is encrypted, it becomes ciphertext, which looks like random data and can only be read again after decryption with the proper key and method. An algorithm is the procedure used to perform encryption or decryption, not the state of the data itself. Cryptography is the broader field that studies these methods and principles, not a descriptor of whether data is readable.