- Encryption secures both data in transit and data at rest, protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access and breaches.
- Encryption helps organisations comply with privacy laws such as HIPAA, protecting sensitive information and avoiding hefty fines.
- With the rise of remote working, encryption is critical to protecting data accessed or transmitted over insecure networks.
In today’s digital landscape, the majority of our communications and data transmissions take place online, exposing us to potential security threats. Encryption is a key defence mechanism in cybersecurity, helping to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access by converting it into a secure format that can only be deciphered by authorised parties.
As technology advances and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the importance of encryption in protecting data continues to grow. Understanding and implementing robust encryption methods is critical for organisations to protect their digital assets and maintain trust in their systems. While encryption alone is not a complete cybersecurity solution, it is an essential part of a broader security strategy.
What is data encryption
Data encryption is the process of converting data into another form or code so that only those with the correct decryption key (or password) can access the data. Encrypted data, sometimes referred to as ciphertext, is one of the most popular and widely used forms of data security. If you experience a data breach involving ciphertext, the attackers will still not be able to see the data.
Common types of data encryption
Asymmetric encryption means that keys come in pairs. This means that you have two keys, one that encrypts and the other that decrypts. Often the keys are interchangeable, but this is not always the case.
Symmetric encryption is a form of encryption where only one key is used to both encrypt and decrypt the data. The entities communicating using symmetric data encryption must be able to exchange the key between them so that it can be used for both encryption and decryption.The role of encryption in protecting data
Securing data transmissions: Encryption is essential for protecting data in transit. When data is sent over the Internet, it passes through several points where it can be intercepted. Encrypting this data ensures that even if it is intercepted, it cannot be read by unauthorised parties.
Protect data at rest: Encryption also protects data at rest. This includes data stored on servers, computers and mobile devices, protecting it from unauthorised access and breaches.
Also read: 5 ways to prevent data ‘spillage’
Advantages of encryption technology for data security
Cost-effective implementation: Most modern devices and operating systems come with built-in encryption technologies. Windows has BitLocker, while iOS and Android offer their own encryption features. In addition, there are free tools such as LastPass, HTTPS Everywhere and TunnelBear that increase security without high costs.
Regulatory compliance: While not all regulations explicitly require encryption, many require that sensitive data be protected with appropriate security measures. For example, HIPAA requires encryption of certain health information. Failure to encrypt could result in significant fines in the event of a data breach.
Remote work security: With the increase in remote working, securing remote access is critical. Reports suggest that data breaches are more likely when employees work remotely. The use of encryption and VPNs helps protect sensitive information that is accessed or transmitted over potentially insecure networks.
Data integrity: Encryption can help ensure the integrity of data, especially during transmission. It can be used alongside digital signatures to verify data authenticity and protect against tampering during transmission.
Building consumer trust: In an era of increasing privacy concerns, the use of encryption can demonstrate a commitment to data security, potentially increasing customer trust and providing a competitive advantage.
Also read: Why you need to understand the seriousness of data leaks
How does encryption prevent data breaches
Encryption is designed to thwart cybercriminals when they try to steal your data. It is the process of converting clear text into an unreadable format. For example, when you send an email, the text in the email is encrypted, but when the recipient receives the email, the encrypted text is converted back to plain text.
A hacker who steals communications from your network won’t be able to read your private information. The most effective encryption systems also store data in an encrypted format. If a hacker breaks into your systems, they can’t access confidential information if it’s encrypted.
