Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What does ciphertext refer to?

1. The original form of data

2. The readable format of encrypted data

3. The unintelligible form of data after encryption

4. A method of data compression

The correct answer is: The unintelligible form of data after encryption

Ciphertext refers to the unintelligible form of data that results from the process of encryption. When plaintext, which is the readable form of data or information, undergoes encryption using specific algorithms and keys, it transforms into ciphertext. This transformation is designed to protect the confidentiality of the data, ensuring that it cannot be easily understood or accessed by unauthorized individuals. The effectiveness of encryption lies in the fact that without the appropriate decryption key or algorithm, turning ciphertext back into readable data (plaintext) is highly difficult or impossible, thus maintaining data security. The other choices do not align with the definition of ciphertext. The original form of data is known as plaintext, while the readable format of encrypted data refers to plaintext as well. Additionally, a method of data compression involves reducing the size of data, which is unrelated to the concept of encryption and ciphertext.