Modern companies have access to a lot of data, much of which they want to keep private, including demographic and financial data about their customers.
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They, as well as you, can secure data privacy while still allowing authorized individuals access to it, thanks to data encryption. But encryption is not foolproof. You may reduce your risks and secure your most valuable assets by being aware of your options and how data encryption functions.
What Is Data Encryption?
Data encryption is a technique for ensuring the confidentiality of data by encoding it into ciphertext, which can only be decoded using a special decryption key that is either generated at the moment of encryption or previously. Data encryption is frequently used in conjunction with authentication services during data storage and transfer to ensure that keys are only given to or used by authorized users.
Importance of Data Encryption
The need for protection is greater than ever because data is now easier to access and more appealing to attackers. In addition, many firms must comply with data protection regulations, many of which specifically call for the usage of encryption.
Encryption contributes to data integrity in addition to the obvious advantages of improved security, privacy protection, and preventing illegal access.
In addition to guarding against unauthorized change, encryption can be used to confirm the legitimacy and source of data.
Types Of Data Encryption
- Symmetric Encryption makes use of a single secret key that has been previously exchanged between the parties involved. It is seen as being quicker and less expensive than asymmetric encryption, but the key needs to be encrypted to be secure, which might lead to a final reliance on yet another key. Several common symmetric encryption types include Triple DES, Twofish, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and Data Encryption Standards (DES).
- Asymmetric encryption, commonly referred to as public-key encryption, encrypts and decrypts data using a combination of public and private keys. Multiple users and open networks use asymmetric encryption because the public key can be freely exchanged without running the risk of information theft. RSA, ElGamal, PKCS, and DSA are the most popular asymmetric encryption algorithms.
Can Encrypted Data Be Hacked?
The simple answer is yes; encrypted data can be hacked. Cyberpunks can hack data encryption systems in the following ways.
- Many endpoint devices offer full disk encryption as one of their encryption options. Using malware, an attacker can access an endpoint device and use the device’s keys to decrypt the data.
- Attackers frequently use brute force techniques to try a variety of keys in an attempt to crack an encryption system. The key size has a direct impact on the likelihood of success. Because of this, 256-bit encryption keys are required by the majority of encryption standards.
Even with these risks, encryption is a reliable and strong security tool. However, given the likelihood that encrypted data can be hacked, it must be viewed as an additional layer of security, not the sole one businesses utilize to safeguard their data.
Whatever method you use, encryption is essential to safeguarding the data that is the most valuable asset of your company. The keys that hold power to secure that data will also grow more significant as data privacy and control do.
