Encryption is a method of encoding information to protect it from unauthorized access, altering or revealing its content. Coursera's encryption catalogue introduces you to the principles and practices of modern encryption strategies. You'll learn how to apply symmetric and asymmetric encryption, cryptographic hash functions, and digital signatures. Additionally, you will delve into topics such as secure communication protocols, key management, and the ethical implications of encryption technology. This knowledge will enable you to construct secure systems and safeguard sensitive data, a critical skill for fields like cybersecurity, software engineering, and data science.