Encryption is the basis of data security. It is the simplest and most important way to prevent computer information from being stolen and read by anyone who wants to use it for malicious purposes.
Such information could include everything from payment information to personal information. Data encryption software, also known as an encryption or cipher algorithm, allows you to develop an encryption scheme that in theory can only be cracked with enormous processing power.
How does encryption work?
Information or data that is shared over the Internet passes through a variety of network devices located around the world, which form part of the public Internet. When data transits from the public Internet, it can be compromised or stolen by hackers. To avoid this problem, users can install specific software or hardware to transfer data or information securely.
Encryption involves converting plain human-readable text into non-understandable text, known as ciphertext. Essentially, this means changing the readable data so that it appears random. Encryption involves the use of a cryptographic key, i.e. a set of mathematical values agreed by the sender and the recipient. The recipient uses the key to decrypt the data, converting it back into readable plain text.
By trying random numbers until the correct combination is guessed.
Encryption is also used to protect passwords. Password encryption methods encrypt your password so that hackers cannot read it.
What are the most common encryption techniques?
Symmetric encryption keys: Also known as private key encryption. The key used for encryption is the same as for decryption, making the system ideal for individual users and closed systems. If not, you need to send the key to the recipient. However, this increases the risk of it being compromised if intercepted by a third party, such as a hacker. This method is faster than the asymmetrical one.
Asymmetric encryption keys: this type uses two different keys, public and private, which have a mathematical link between them. Keys are essentially large numbers associated with each other but not identical, hence the adjective "asymmetric".
Examples of encryption algorithms
Encryption algorithms allow you to convert data into ciphertext. An algorithm uses the encryption key to change the data predictably so that even if the encrypted data is displayed randomly, it can be turned back into plain text with the decryption key.
There are different types of encryption algorithms designed for various needs. When older algorithms are no longer secure, new ones are developed. Among the best encryption algorithms we point out:
DES encryption
DES stands for Data Encryption Standard. It is a now-obsolete symmetric encryption algorithm not considered suitable for today's uses. Therefore other encryption algorithms have replaced DES.
3DES encryption
3DES stands for Triple Data Encryption Standard. It is a symmetric key algorithm. The term "triple" means that the data is passed into the original DES algorithm three times during the encryption process. Triple DES will be phased out but is still used as a reliable hardware encryption solution for financial services and other industries.
AES encryption
AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard and was developed as an update to the original DES algorithm. Some of the more common AES algorithm applications include messaging apps, such as Signal or WhatsApp, and the WinZip file archiver program.
RSA encryption
RSA was the first asymmetric encryption algorithm widely available to the public. RSA is very popular due to the length of the keys and is therefore widely used for secure data transmission. RSA stands for Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman, the surnames of the mathematicians who invented this algorithm. RSA is considered an asymmetric algorithm because it uses a key pair.
Twofish encryption
Twofish, used for both hardware and software, is considered one of the fastest in its class. Twofish is not patented and can therefore be used free of charge by anyone.
RC4 encryption
It is used in WEP and WPA, encryption protocols commonly used in wireless routers.
Examples of asymmetric encryption include RSA and DSA. Examples of symmetric encryption include RC4 and DES. In addition to encryption algorithms, there is also the so-called Common Criteria (CC):
This is not an encryption standard, but a set of international guidelines for verifying that product safety claims pass any checks.
The CC guidelines were created as a form of oversight of security products, conducted by third parties independently of suppliers.
Audited products are voluntarily submitted by suppliers and all or some features are reviewed.
When a product is evaluated, its functionality is tested against a defined set of standards by product type.
Data encryption
In-transit and inactive encryption: what's the difference?
Encryption of data in transit
Data is considered in transit when it passes from one device to another, for example within private networks or over the Internet. Data encryption during transfer, known as end-to-end encryption, ensures data privacy, even if it is intercepted.
Inactive data encryption
Data is considered inactive when it is on a storage device and is not actively used or transferred. Inactive data is often less vulnerable than data in transit because the device's security features restrict access but are not immune. Also, as they often contain more valuable information, they are a more attractive target for thieves.
To protect inactive data, you can use Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), a technology adopted by Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM to encrypt database files. TDE protects inactive data by encrypting the databases on the hard disk and consequently also on the backup media.
What is end-to-end encrypted data?
A widely used term in data encryption is end-to-end encryption, which refers to systems in which only two communicating users, who both have keys, can decrypt the conversation. Not even the service provider can access the end-to-end encrypted data.
End-to-end encrypted data can be reset. On an iPhone, for example, this may be necessary to log back into the device if you forget your password. If you do, you won't be able to use the previously encrypted backup files, but you can use iTunes to back up your iOS device again and set a new password for the backed-up data.
Six key benefits of encryption
Encryption ensures data integrity
Hackers don't just steal information. They can also modify the data to commit fraud. Even though experienced hackers can modify the encrypted data, the recipients of the data can discover the corruption and respond quickly.
Encryption allows organizations to comply with regulations
Many industries, such as financial services or healthcare, have strict regulations on how user data should be used and stored. Encryption allows organizations to meet these standards and ensure compliance.
Encryption protects data as it passes between devices
Most of us use different devices every day, and transferring data from one device to another carries risks. Encryption technology helps protect data as it is transferred between devices. Additional security measures, such as strong authentication, help discourage unauthorized users.
Encryption is useful when moving data to cloud storage
As more users and organizations store data in the cloud, cloud security is essential. Storage space encryption ensures data privacy. Users should ensure that data is encrypted during transfers, while it is being used and when it is idle in the archive.
Encryption allows organizations to secure offices
Many organizations have remote offices, especially after the pandemic. This creates cybersecurity risks because data is accessed from different locations. Encryption helps protect against theft or accidental loss of data.
Data encryption protects intellectual property.
Digital rights management systems encrypt inactive data, in this case, intellectual property such as music or software, to prevent reverse engineering and unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted material.
Encryption can be used in several interesting ways
Most of us deal with encryption every day. The most common uses include:
Whenever you use an ATM or shop online with a smartphone, encryption is applied to protect the information you send.
Device protection, such as encryption for laptops.
Most legitimate websites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), a data encryption protocol used when sent to and from a website, which prevents attackers from accessing data in transit. Look for the lock icon in the URL bar and the "s" in "HTTPS: //" to make sure you are making secure and encrypted online transactions.
WhatsApp messages are also encrypted and you may even have an encrypted folder on your phone.
Even emails can be encrypted with protocols such as OpenPGP.
The VPN (Virtual Private Network) uses encryption and everything stored in the cloud should be encrypted. You can encrypt your entire hard drive and even make encrypted voice calls.
Encryption is used to prove the integrity and authenticity of information with so-called digital signatures. Encryption is an integral part of digital rights management and duplication protection.
Encryption can be used to erase data. if you encrypt the data first and throw away the key, the only thing anyone can do is recover the encrypted text and not the original data.
In the context of cybersecurity, encryption is a way to prevent private information from being stolen or compromised. Which blocks common and complex threats, such as viruses, malware, ransomware, spying apps, and all the most advanced hacker attacks.
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