Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the AP Computer Science Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Use our flashcards and multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge and uncover valuable hints. Get exam-ready today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What does the term ciphertext refer to?

The decoded version of a message
The original readable message
The encrypted version of a message
Any message written in plain text

The correct answer is: The encrypted version of a message

The term ciphertext specifically refers to the version of a message that has been transformed through encryption. This transformation makes the original plaintext message unreadable without a specific decryption key or method. Ciphertext results from applying an encryption algorithm to the plaintext, ensuring that unauthorized parties cannot easily interpret the information contained within. Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing how secure communications are established and maintained. In cybersecurity and data protection, distinguishing between plaintext (readable message) and ciphertext (encrypted message) is fundamental to ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.