In business, there are times when you may be transferring sensitive data. Working with software that provides encryption services can help keep your data secure.
Many now associate encryption with modern technology, but the practice likely dates as far back as 1900 B.C. During this time, one scribe used unorthodox hieroglyphic characters instead of the more commonly known ones.
Overview: What is encryption?
Encryption is defined as the conversion of information or data into a code. This prevents it from being accessed by an unwanted party.
1 benefit and 2 drawbacks of encryption
There is a benefit to encryption, as well as a couple of drawbacks that should not be ignored:
1. Benefit: Security
Encrypting data provides a much more secure method of transferring data, making private information less accessible to hackers or the eyes of your organization’s competition.
2. Drawback: Technology moves fast
Technology moves so fast that it is possible that your encryption software could be out-of-date. It is vital to make sure that you have the latest updates for your encryption software. There is also the possibility that your competition is well-versed in the software and can breach it.
3. Drawback: Thinking of the long-term
If you have encrypted personal information, it is important to provide a way for the people that you might want to access it in the future to be able to do so. There is the possibility that your method of encrypting data could become antiquated and obsolete over time, making it very difficult for it to be decoded later, if necessary.
Why is encryption important to understand?
Encryption is important to understand for the following reasons:
Safety
It is important to understand encryption so that you can make sure that you are safely transferring sensitive data.
Security
Understanding encryption is important so that you can be assured that the private information that you send is secure.
Competition
Having an understanding of encryption is important so that you are aware of how your unencrypted data could be used against your organization by its competitors.
An industry example of encryption
A shoe company has a team of designers and engineers that come up with new products every year. During the design and engineering process, there is a lot of information about the potential that goes back and forth through a private network. On top of having all of the team sign non-disclosure agreements, the messages that are sent during this period are encrypted on both ends.
3 best practices when thinking about encryption
Here are some key practices when dealing with the encryption of your data:
1. Make sure that your encryption key is secure
Keep unauthorized parties from accessing your data by making sure your encryption key stays secure. This means not leaving an unencrypted key somewhere where it could potentially be found. You can also keep the key separated from its data, stagger access, and schedule the
rotation of your keys.
rotation of your keys.
2. Encrypt all of your work data
It can be difficult to know what work data is suddenly going to be seen as sensitive in the future. In order to be safe, it is best to encrypt all of it as a preventative measure. It is also necessary that your customers feel confident that there are processes in place for the encryption of their personal information.
3. Monitor encryption performance
It is important to keep an eye on how well your data is being encrypted and how quickly. Keep up-to-date on changes in performance and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your data continues to be protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about encryption
Is encryption totally secure?
When utilized and implemented correctly, encryption is a strong safeguard for your private data. However, no encryption method is entirely foolproof, and it is always somewhat susceptible to hackers.
What is hashed data?
Hashed data is a type of data that cannot be decrypted.
What is the safest encryption type?
The Advanced Encryption Standard is a trusted encryption algorithm that is trusted by many governments and large corporations.
Encryption and keeping your business secure
In today’s world, it is vitally important to make sure your data is as secure as possible. Just as it is important for you to keep your own personal information private, it is imperative that you keep your work inaccessible to those who might want to exploit it.
