Classical Cryptography

Definition ∞ Classical cryptography involves methods of securing communications that predate modern computer science. These techniques typically rely on substitution or transposition ciphers, using manual or mechanical means. Examples include the Caesar cipher and the Vigenère cipher, which protect information by rearranging or replacing letters. Such systems are generally considered insecure against modern computational attacks.
Context ∞ In the realm of digital assets, classical cryptography serves primarily as a historical reference. Its relevance in crypto news often pertains to contrasting its weaknesses with the advanced mathematical security underpinning contemporary blockchain protocols. The ongoing evolution of cryptographic techniques seeks to surpass the limitations of these earlier methods.