With the cloud and connected servers storing vast amounts of sensitive data and information, the need to be protected from cybercriminals is an emergency. It means defending it against cyberattacks such as ransomware, viruses, or malware. One way to protect this information is through the use of encryption.
What is data encryption?
Data encryption is a method of translating plaintext to ciphertext. To access the encrypted data, a user will need an encryption key or a decryption key to access data. Cybersecurity and advanced software development solutions have improved modern encryption algorithms to protect sensitive information better. They do this by authenticating the message to verify its origin first. Secondly, they check to verify the integrity of the contents to ensure they are unchanged. Finally, the non-repudiation measures ensure they provide the sender with proof of the delivery. At the same time, the recipient is also equipped with the sender’s identity to ensure that none of the parties can deny having processed the information.
Types of data encryption
They develop various data encryption solutions with different security protocols and the diverse needs the encryption solutions aim to achieve. However, two widely used encryption methods are symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption.
Symmetric Encryption
This encryption solution uses a single symmetric key to encrypt and decrypt information. Some of the standard symmetric encryption methods are:
a) Data Encryption Standards
This method works by converting raw data into blocks of 64 bits, then encrypting them in keys of 48 bits.
b) Twofish
This method is one of the fastest algorithms, and it is also free to use.
c) Advanced Encryption Standards
It is the gold standard for encryption solutions.
d) Triple DES
As its name suggests, it runs the Data Encryption Solutions 3 times. It means it will encrypt, decrypt, then encrypt the data again.
Asymmetric Encryption
This encryption method is also referred to as Public-Key Cryptography. It works by encrypting and decrypting data using two different keys: public and private keys. The two standard methods used are Public key infrastructure (PKI) and RSA.
a) Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
This asymmetric encryption method governs keys by issuing and managing digital certificates.
b) RSA
Computer scientists Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman developed this algorithm. It works by encrypting data with a public key and decrypting it with a private key.
Why you should encrypt data
Technological advancements and IT Outsourcing solutions mean that more businesses and organizations are now adapting to multi-cloud and hybrid data storage environments. However, concerns still exist about cybersecurity in such complex environments. It makes it more important to encrypt data in the cloud and on-premises. The ever-present threat of cyber-threats means it is essential to protect data while allowing authorized persons to do their jobs uninterrupted.
How to choose a data encryption service
When choosing a data encryption service, it is vital to consider some factors to ensure the data is safe and integrates well within your business or organization. Here are four elements that can act as a good starting point.
- Integration
It is vital to choose an encryption service that does not hamper the productivity of your employees. The service should be able to work with the software solutions you use in your business or organization.
- Easy to use
Since employees will need to learn and adapt to new platforms, the service you choose needs to be straightforward.
- Security
With the many solutions available, it is essential to ensure the service you choose is secure. You can do a background check to check if relevant authorities accredit the service.
- Control of encryption keys
The service you choose should also allow you to control the encryption keys. If you do not have control of the keys, you do not manage your files and emails.
