In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become imperative to ensure individuals and companies can protect one of their most valuable assets: data. While there are a number of methods designed to access data, which can be protected against through various techniques, one of the main methods of cybersecurity is data encryption. Encryption is a method of protecting sensitive information by encoding it, which transforms it into an unreadable format. Implementing data encryption protocols may seem a daunting task at first, but it doesn’t have to be. This article will cover the basics of data encryption and why it is an important method for safeguarding data.
What is Data Encryption?
Encrypting data refers to the transformation of data from a readable format known as plaintext, into an encoded, unreadable format known as cipher-text. Without the necessary decryption key, any unauthorized third parties will be unable to view the data. Encryption is carried out by complex algorithms which make the data appear random and meaningless. The more complex the encryption, the harder it is to decipher through hacking methods such as brute force attacks.
Encryption Algorithms
In a phrase, encryption algorithms are the mathematical formulas used to encrypt and decrypt data. How difficult the encryption is to decrypt by unauthorized individuals is entirely based on the complexity of the algorithm itself. There are many different algorithms, but they all fit within two primary classifications of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric.
Symmetric Encryption
Symmetric encryption makes use of a single encryption and decryption key that both the sender and receiver have access to. This form of encryption is quick and easy to use, making it ideal for transferring large volumes of protected data. Unfortunately, this does create the difficult situation of securely sharing the decryption key itself. This form of encryption is best used with individuals and closed systems and is faster than the alternative asymmetric encryption.
Asymmetric Encryption
Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key encryption, offers a pair of keys: the public key and the private key. The public key is freely handed out to whoever needs it, which encrypts the data that can only be decrypted with the private key that is kept secure. This method eliminates the distribution dangers faced by symmetric encryption and enables secure communication between parties who have never shared a key before.
Common Encryption Protocols
Encryption protocols provide guidelines and standards for secure communication over networks. Here are a few commonly used encryption protocols:
Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security
SSL/TLS protocols accommodate secure communication over the internet. By establishing an encrypted link between a web server and users’ browser, they ensure data transmitted between the two is confidential and tamper-proof. This is the most common form of encryption protocol and is widely used across the internet. A quick way to check whether or not a website is utilizing this level of security should see a padlock on the search bar, and the web address should start with “http.”
Pretty Good Privacy
PGP is a widely used encryption program that utilized asymmetric encryption to secure email communications. PGP allows individuals to digitally sign messages, encrypt the data, and ensure privacy and authenticity for all users.
Secure Shell Protocol
The SSH protocol is mostly used by companies for their networks to provide secure access for their users, secure file transfer methods, and secure remote access. By authenticating users through passwords or public key cryptography, this protocol facilitates a secure communication channel between the client and the servers. This is a standard for secure remote access and is widely adopted in the IT industry.
Importance of Data Encryption
It goes without saying that data encryption is an important aspect of a company’s IT responsibilities. Yet, for those who are not yet convinced, here is a list of benefits that any company or individual will gain from the proper use of this technology.
Data Protection
An encryption primary use is ensuring that no sensitive data can be accessed. Be it financial records, personal information, or intellectual property, encrypting data can prevent unauthorized persons from properly accessing it.
Compliance with Privacy Regulations
There are many laws and regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), that require a company to protect any sensitive information that it may be handling. Failure to do so can result in substantial legal complications that may cause lasting issues for a business.
Secure Communication
Providing secure and confidential communications internally, or between the business and clients, is paramount when preventing any tampering or leaks. As the business world continues to open itself up to remote working, secure encryptions can better guarantee the company maintains Ensuring the company has encrypted communications provides valuable peace of mind to all involved.
Mitigating Data Breach Impact
Fundamentally, encrypting data prevents the ultimate goal of any cyber-attack, which is utilizing the stolen data. Without a decryption key, encrypted data cannot be easily deciphered. Adding a strong final resort layer of cybersecurity in the event of any successful cyber-attack. Overall, it can significantly minimize the potential damage caused by a breach.
Trust and Reputation
Data breaches, legal battles, time wasted, and lost revenue are only parts of the equation, the rest is the businesses standing in the court of public opinion. Recent history shows a number of companies that did not take the handling of sensitive data seriously, and their reputations have been irreparably damaged for it. In 2019, a survey conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of the Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), found that 47% of global citizens were “very concerned” about their online privacy and security. A company that advertises a serious attitude toward protecting client data can give them a competitive edge in this tumultuous tech landscape.
Bottom Line
Data encryption is, by far, one of the most essential tools when it comes to safeguarding information. Changing data into an unreadable format prevents unauthorized individuals from learning anything, even if they happen to gain access to it. Whether it's personal information of the company or a client, the fallout of an unfortunate accident or cyber-attack does not have to damage the company any further than the incident itself. As technology advances and threats evolve, understanding and implementing robust encryption practices will continue to be essential in safeguarding our valuable data.
