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Difference between Cryptography and Cryptology

Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2025
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Cryptography is defined as the study of rules and regulations that protect data from unauthorized access and it is also the study of conversion of plain text to cipher text. On the other hand, Cryptology is the study of the conversion of plain text to ciphertext and vice versa. It is also called the study of encryption and decryption. One major difference between both is that Cryptology is the superset of Cryptography.

Cryptography vs Cryptology
Cryptography vs Cryptology

What is Cryptography?

Cryptography is the study of converting plain text(readable format) to ciphertext(non-readable format), also called encryption. Cryptography involves various algorithms and protocols to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. Cryptography has a wide range of uses nowadays, including secure web communication, online money management, and safe data storage. It is also used in military & government communications, and electronic voting systems. Cryptography is a key component of data security, and its advancement has been important in protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Cryptography and Cryptology
Cryptography and Cryptology

What is Cryptology?

Cryptology is the study of both cryptography (conversion of data from plain text to cipher text) and cryptanalysis (the determination of how to access the data without the necessary cryptographic key). Cryptology includes a broader scope than cryptography, including analyses of numerical frameworks, calculations, and hypothetical cryptographic perspectives.

Difference between Cryptography and Cryptology

Parameters

Cryptography

Cryptology

Definition

Cryptography is the process of conversion of plain text to cipher text.

Cryptology Is the process of conversion of plain text to cipher text and vice versa.

User SideCryptography takes place on the sender's sideIt takes place on the sender and receiver side

Study Focus

It is also called the study of encryption and decryption.

Cryptography is also called the study of encryption

Message ExchangeIn Cryptography, the sender sends the message to the receiver.In Cryptology, both the sender and receiver send messages to each other.
RelationshipCryptography can be seen as the subset of Cryptology.Cryptology can be seen as the superset of Cryptography
ScopeCryptography deals with the techniques of secure communication.Cryptology deals with the study of secure communication.
Focus Cryptography focuses on the practice of hiding informationCryptology focuses on the theoretical and mathematical aspects of information security
ComponentsCryptography involves encryption, decryption, and authentication techniquesCryptology involves the study of codes, ciphers, and cryptanalysis
ActivitiesCryptography is concerned with developing algorithms and protocolsCryptology is concerned with analyzing and breaking existing encryption methods
ApplicationsCryptography is utilized in various fields such as finance, e-commerce, and national securityCryptology is utilized in academia and research to understand and improve encryption

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