Cleartext facts for kids
Imagine you write a message on a piece of paper and don't fold it or put it in an envelope. Anyone can read it, right? That's kind of like cleartext in the world of computers!
In telecommunications, cleartext is information or a message that anyone can understand right away. It means the message is sent or stored without any secret codes or protection. Phrases like "in the clear" or "en clair" mean the same thing.
Cleartext is similar to, but not exactly the same as, "plaintext". Plaintext is the original information that goes into a coding process. What comes out of that process is called ciphertext. Sometimes, plaintext might be compressed or changed before it becomes ciphertext. So, not all plaintext is cleartext.
What is Cleartext?
Cleartext is data that is easy for a human to read and understand. It hasn't been scrambled or hidden using special computer codes. Think of it as an open book where everyone can see the words.
When information is in cleartext, it means it's not protected by cryptography. Cryptography is the science of keeping information secret and secure. It uses codes to turn readable data into unreadable data.
Cleartext vs. Plaintext
It's easy to confuse cleartext with plaintext, but there's a small difference.
- Plaintext is the original message or data. It's what you start with before you do anything to it.
- Cleartext is a type of plaintext that is not hidden or scrambled. It's plaintext that anyone can read.
For example, if you write a note, that's plaintext. If you then put that note into a secret code, it's still plaintext before you code it. But once it's coded, it's no longer cleartext.
Why Cleartext Can Be Risky
Many websites use a system called HTTP. When you visit a website using HTTP, any information you send is often in cleartext. This includes things like your username and password.
Imagine you are sending a secret message across a crowded room. If you shout it out, everyone can hear it. Sending information in cleartext over HTTP is a bit like that.
Anyone who has access to the network where the data travels might be able to read it. This could include people with special tools on routers, computers, or wireless networks. They could potentially see your password or other private details.
That's why it's important to look for websites that use "HTTPS" (with an "S" at the end). The "S" stands for "secure." HTTPS means your information is encrypted, or scrambled, before it's sent. This makes it much harder for others to read.
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