What is a cryptosystem used for?

A cryptosystem is fundamentally designed to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of information by transforming data into a secure format. Specifically, it operates by converting plaintext, which is readable and understandable, into ciphertext, which is obscured and unintelligible to unauthorized users. This transformation process includes the use of algorithms and keys that facilitate both encryption (the conversion to ciphertext) and decryption (the conversion back to plaintext).

The primary goal of a cryptosystem is to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and to ensure that only intended recipients can read the data. This capability is critical in numerous applications, such as secure communications, data storage, and protecting privacy.

While analyzing security threats, storing sensitive data, and investigating computer crimes are all important aspects of cybersecurity, they do not directly relate to the function of a cryptosystem. A cryptosystem specifically focuses on the mechanisms of encryption and decryption, making it essential for safeguarding data in transit and at rest.