John is trying to explain the basics of cryptography to a group of young, novice,...

Explanation

Changing a message so it can only be easily read by the intended recipient

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encryption

Encryption is the process of encoding information. This process converts the original representation of the information, known as plaintext, into an alternative form known as ciphertext. Ideally, only authorized parties can decipher a ciphertext back to plaintext and access the original information. Encryption does not itself prevent interference but denies the intelligible content to a would-be interceptor.