Encryption is yet another protection that can NOT be viewed through a ‘one and done’ lens. Yesterday’s encryption can easily become today’s vulnerability. With the rapidly expanding threat matrix, encryption is more important than ever because it converts readable data into secret code. Only the right key can decode it, so if hackers manage to steal your data, they can’t read it. It’s an essential component of effective cybersecurity.
Let’s look at different encryption methods that will help you ‘up’ your defensive game.
What is encryption in simple words?
As simply put as possible, encryption is a code, like a secret language. It converts regular text into unreadable text called ciphertext. Only people who have the right key will be able to convert it into normal text, called plaintext. It’s like the German Enigma machines in WWII which produced uncrackable codes until the Allies got hold of one of the machines (and even then, it wasn’t easy).
It’s a valuable tool to keep your information safe and away from prying eyes. It makes your data safe from hackers which is very important for privacy and security.
How does it work?
Remember the Ken Follett novel and movie ‘The Key to Rebecca?’ A spy deciphers messages hidden in the text of the Daphne du Maurier novel ‘Rebecca’ by using a ‘key’ which told him where to find the words that would make up the secret message.
There’s not as much work involved today. Modern encryption uses algorithms and keys. An algorithm is a set of rules for solving problems. A key is somewhat like a password that unlocks the secret message.
Two encryption types:
These are the two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric, and they are what they sound like.
Symmetric: This uses the same key for encryption and decryption. The same key is shared between the sender and receiver. It’s faster, but less secure when the key is shared.
Asymmetric: This uses two separate keys for encryption and decryption: a public key and a private key. A public key can encrypt a message, while a private key can decrypt it. It’s more secure since only the private key unlocks the message.
How do I encrypt something?
There are a number of encryption methods available. The most common:
DES (Data Encryption Standard)
DES was once a popular symmetric encryption method. It is still used, but it’s long in the tooth these days. It uses a 56-bit key, which is now considered underpowered and weak. DES has mostly been replaced by AES (below)
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
This is largely the replacement for DES. One of the most secure forms of encryption, AES is symmetric. It can have 128, 192, or 256-bit keys. Understandably, the longer the key, the harder it is to break, which is why it’s better to use than DES.
RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)
RSA is an asymmetric encryption method. It uses two keys: a public and a private key. RSA is widely used for secure data transmission.
ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)
This one is on the rise as an encryption technique. ECC is asymmetric and offers better security and more compact key sizes. It is efficient and widely adopted in various mobile gadgets.
Encryption use in everyday life
Encryption is used more often than one would think. It plays a major role in our daily life routines. Here are the top three instances:
1: Messaging Apps
Check your messaging apps. Some, like WhatsApp, use encryption to keep your messages private. Only you and the person you are chatting with can read them. Check out if this is part of any new messaging app you’re considering.
2: Online Shopping
More and more purchases are made online every day. Who hasn’t made online purchases at this point? When you do, your payment information is encrypted, protecting your credit card information against hackers.
3: Email Security
This is a big one. Many email services use encryption to protect your emails from being read by others.
What are the negatives of encryption?
Even encryption, which offers many benefits, also faces challenges:
Integration and compatibility
If encryption is incompatible with some devices and applications inside your network, it cause issues and can require expensive, complicated hardware and software to solve.
Key Management
It’s a challenge to manage keys securely. If some person loses their key, they probably will lose their data. Also, like passwords, encryption keys can be cracked using brute force attacks.
Problems with Speed and Performance
Encryption requires processing power, so underpowered systems could slow down during encryption and decryption.
How to make sure your data is secure?
Some steps are necessary to securely use encryption:
Use Strong Passwords
ALWAYS use strong passwords for accounts and devices – it’s your first line of defense. That will make hacking difficult as it will take time to access. Look into a good Password Manager, which can generate and store robust passwords.
Update Software
Update your software regularly to protect against cybersecurity vulnerabilities. They often contain new patches to fend off new threats.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi!
Your best bet is not to use it, but if you absolutely need to use public Wi-Fi, do so wisely: avoid sensitive transactions unless you can encrypt your internet connection using a VPN (Virtual Personal Network) which encrypts everything for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can encrypted data be hacked?
Remember this rule of thumb: ANYTHING CAN BE HACKED, including encrypted data. However, the situation is not as straightforward or as simple as that. Truthfully, hacking encrypted data is extremely difficult, time-intensive and involves a huge amount of technical knowledge on the hacker's part, which can make them reconsider how much they want it.
So far, it’s so time-consuming that instances of it being done are rare.
Is Outlook fully encrypted?
Let’s look at Microsoft’s own words: “Currently, Outlook.com uses opportunistic Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt the connection with a recipient's email provider. However, with TLS, the message might not stay encrypted after the message reaches the recipient's email provider. In other words, TLS encrypts the connection, not the message.
Additionally, TLS encryption didn't provide the ability to prevent forwarding.
Messages encrypted with Microsoft 365 stay encrypted and remain inside the Microsoft 365 Personal. This helps secure your email when it's received.”
Is WIFI data encrypted?
Don’t count on it. Depend on what Wi-Fi network you're on, it could either be open (no authentication and no encryption), like at Starbucks, Airports and most public places, or might have encryption and no authentication, or have encryption and authentication like most business network Wi-Fi – although not guaranteed – ask your IT support.
Needless to say, the most secure Wi-Fi networks are those with enforced authentication, encryption, and message integrity.
How do I know if my internet is encrypted?
There’s a simple way to check:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Access the Wi-Fi connection settings.
- Find your wireless network on the list of available networks.
- Tap the network name or info button to pull up the network configuration.
- Check the network configuration for the security type.
How secure is your network?
As a longstanding, reputable member of the Charlotte IT Support community, ITFIRM.COM offers a FREE, no-risk network and cybersecurity assessment. We perform a non-intrusive scan that allows us to deliver a comprehensive report of the state of your system and its vulnerabilities that is yours to keep. There are no strings attached, and you are under no obligation to ever use our Managed IT services.
The two best defenses are next-generation network cybersecurity to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider (MSP) to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
We put our 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing, so there is no risk in trying us out. Because we do not require a ‘hard’ contract, our clients can fire us at any time with 30 days’ notice. We have to be good.
Among the Managed IT services we provide:
IT HelpDesk Service
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