Python: Data Encryption and Decryption

This Python snippet offers a method for encrypting and decrypting data using the 'cryptography' library, which provides a high level of security for sensitive information. It uses Fernet symmetric encryption to ensure that only parties with access to the secret key can read the encrypted data.

The snippet is particularly useful in applications that handle sensitive user data, such as personal identifiers, financial information, or confidential communications. By encrypting data, the snippet helps protect it against unauthorized access and breaches.

This implementation showcases how to generate a key, encrypt data, and then decrypt it using the same key. The process ensures data integrity and confidentiality, crucial elements in secure communications and data storage.

The functionality of this snippet is vital for security-critical applications such as payment gateways, personal data management systems, and any software where data privacy is a paramount concern.

Below is the complete code for data encryption and decryption, ensuring robust security measures are in place for handling sensitive information.