The Evolution of Encryption Techniques

Encryption, a process essential for securing digital transactions, has a rich history that traces back to ancient civilizations. The Spartans utilized a device called a sightail around 600 BC for encoding messages, while the Romans later adopted a simple substitution cipher around 60 BC. This foundation evolved significantly by the 20th century, as inventions like the Enigma machine made significant contributions to cryptography during World War I and II. With advancements such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES) and the subsequent introduction of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), encryption continues to be a crucial element in modern data protection.