What is Cryptography?

Cryptography is the practice of hiding or coding information by using

algorithms (ciphers), transforming the information into something unreadable
by unauthorised parties.
It is categorised in two main categories:symmetric (single key/cypher for
both encryption and decryption) and asymmetric (pair of keys a public and a
private one for encryption and decryption).
Encryption is the process of converting plain text into ciphers and
decryption is the reverse.
Cryptography ensures privacy and confidentiality by protecting data
being accessed by unauthorised people. It is used on Virtual Private Networks
(ensuring safe browsing) and messaging apps (preventing messages being
hacked or intercepted).
Cryptography is used to ensure the integrity of data: ensuring data
wasn’t changed when transmitted or in storage. And, it verifies the origin of the
data ensuring it wasn’t tampered with. This is achieved with digital signatures
and hashes.
There is in place as well, the law of non repudiation: the senders and
the recipients can't deny their actions and intentions.