Stream Ciphers

Stream ciphers are encryption methods that encode data one bit or byte at a time, generating a continuous stream of secret key bits to transform plain data into ciphertext. They work quickly and efficiently, making them suitable for real-time communications like voice or video. The process involves combining the plaintext with a secret key stream, often using simple operations like XOR. When the same key stream is applied during decryption, the original data is recovered. Stream ciphers are valued for their speed and flexibility but require careful management of keys to maintain security.