In this first session, we’ll establish a strong foundation by introducing Format-Preserving Encryption (FPE) as both a concept and a practical tool. You’ll learn what makes FPE different from other encryption methods, when to use it (and when not to), and how preserving format unlocks compatibility across systems without compromising security. We’ll also explore its benefits—like enabling analytics on protected data—and consider its role in modern security architectures alongside other tools. If you’re looking to understand where FPE fits into today’s cloud-first, compliance-driven world, this is where to start.