What term encompasses both cryptography and cryptanalysis?

The term that encompasses both cryptography and cryptanalysis is "cryptology." Cryptology is the broad field that includes the study and practice of techniques for secure communication (cryptography) and the methods for deciphering those communications (cryptanalysis).

Cryptography focuses on creating secure methods for encoding information so that only intended recipients can read it, thereby ensuring confidentiality and integrity. On the other hand, cryptanalysis involves techniques used to break or weaken those cryptographic systems, assessing their strength, and revealing the plaintext from encrypted data.

Understanding both aspects is crucial for anyone in the field of information security, as it allows for the development of stronger encryption methods and strategies to defend against potential vulnerabilities. This knowledge is fundamental to protecting sensitive information and establishing secure communication channels.

In contrast, the other terms refer specifically to related, but distinct processes. For example, encryption refers specifically to the process of converting plaintext into ciphertext, whereas decryption is the process of converting ciphertext back into readable plaintext. Ciphering is another term that often refers to the process of implementing a cipher, which is just one aspect of cryptography.