An encoder for encoding and encrypting input data to generate corresponding encoded and encrypted data, wherein the encoder includes a data processing arrangement for processing the input data, wherein the data processing arrangement is operable to: a) employ a plurality of split and/or combine operations to divide and/or combine the input data into a plurality of data blocks and/or data packets, and encode the input data using a plurality of encoding methods to generate a plurality of intermediate encoded data streams, wherein the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams comprise at least two critical data streams that are essential for decoding of one or more remaining data streams of the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams, wherein the at least two critical data streams include information indicative of at least one of: a plurality of split and/or combine operations that are employed to divide and/or combine the input data into the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets, one or more encoding methods that are employed for encoding information of the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets, one or more entropy-encoding methods that are employed for entropy-encoding the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets into a plurality of entropy-encoded data blocks and/or data packets, and/or a length of the plurality of entropy-encoded data blocks and/or data packets in the entropy-encoded data streams, and/or a length of the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets prior entropy-coding, wherein the at least two critical data streams represent only a part of the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams; b) encrypt the at least two critical data streams using one or more encryption methods to generate at least two intermediate encrypted data streams; and c) merge unencrypted portions of the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams together with the at least two intermediate encrypted data streams to generate the encoded and encrypted data. a) employ a plurality of split and/or combine operations to divide and/or combine the input data into a plurality of data blocks and/or data packets, and encode the input data using a plurality of encoding methods to generate a plurality of intermediate encoded data streams, wherein the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams comprise at least two critical data streams that are essential for decoding of one or more remaining data streams of the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams, wherein the at least two critical data streams include information indicative of at least one of: a plurality of split and/or combine operations that are employed to divide and/or combine the input data into the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets, one or more encoding methods that are employed for encoding information of the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets, one or more entropy-encoding methods that are employed for entropy-encoding the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets into a plurality of entropy-encoded data blocks and/or data packets, and/or a length of the plurality of entropy-encoded data blocks and/or data packets in the entropy-encoded data streams, and/or a length of the plurality of data blocks and/or data packets prior entropy-coding, wherein the at least two critical data streams represent only a part of the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams; b) encrypt the at least two critical data streams using one or more encryption methods to generate at least two intermediate encrypted data streams; and c) merge unencrypted portions of the plurality of intermediate encoded data streams together with the at least two intermediate encrypted data streams to generate the encoded and encrypted data.