Explanation: Cryptography is the science of securing information by transforming it into an unreadable format using mathematical algorithms. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and understand the information.

The primary goals of cryptography are confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. Cryptographic techniques are commonly used in secure communications, online transactions, and data storage.

Modern cryptography relies on complex algorithms such as RSA, AES, and SHA, which protect data in various applications, from email encryption to digital signatures.

Additional Information: There are two main types of cryptographic systems: symmetric key cryptography and asymmetric key cryptography. In symmetric cryptography, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption, whereas in asymmetric cryptography, different keys are used.

Cryptographic applications extend to blockchain technology, secure web browsing through SSL/TLS protocols, and identity verification.

Formal Definition: Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing information by converting it into a format that is only accessible to intended recipients using encryption and decryption methods.