Pronunciation: [ɛnsˈa͡ɪfə] (IPA) 
The word "encipher" is spelled /ɛnˈsaɪfər/, with a stress on the second syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented using various symbols: /ɛ/ for the "en" sound, /n/ for the "n" sound, /ˈsaɪ/ for the "ci" sound, and /fər/ for the "pher" sound. The word means to transform plaintext into ciphertext using a code or cipher, and is commonly used in the field of cryptography.
Encipher is a verb that refers to the process of converting plain text or data into a coded form, typically to ensure its confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access. Also known as encryption, enciphering involves transforming the original information into an indecipherable format using specific algorithms and mathematical operations. This encoded data can only be decrypted, or transformed back into its original form, with an appropriate decryption key or algorithm known only to authorized parties.
The process of enciphering is commonly employed for secure communication purposes, ensuring that sensitive information remains hidden from eavesdroppers or potential attackers. It is widely used in various domains, including computer science, cryptography, and information security. Enciphering techniques can range from simple substitution ciphers, such as the Caesar cipher, to more complex encryption algorithms like RSA or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
With the advancement of technology, enciphering has become an integral part of modern communication systems. It can be used to protect sensitive data transmitted through various communication mediums, such as internet communication, email exchanges, or wireless networks. Enciphering plays a fundamental role in safeguarding confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity within digital environments, thereby ensuring secure information transmission and storage.
The word "encipher" is derived from the combination of two words: "en-" and "cipher".
The prefix "en-" is a variation of the Old English prefix "on-" which means "in" or "into". It adds the sense of "make" or "cause".
The noun "cipher" has its roots in the Arabic word "sifr" which originally referred to zero, but later came to denote any mathematical digit. The Arabic term was then borrowed into Latin as "cifra", where it indicated a numeral. Over time, the term expanded its meaning to represent a method or system of secret writing or coding.
Therefore, "encipher" can be understood as the act of "making into a cipher" or "causing to become a cipher".
