Every modern computer has tools that can encrypt data to make it inaccessible to anyone without the proper key. What is encryption and how does it work? This article will explain how encryption protects sensitive information from snoopers.
Data encryption is the process of converting the information that is readable into a coded form that can only deciphered with the correct password by authorized users. It is an important component of cyber-security which guarantees the security of data and protects sensitive data from any unauthorised users.
A typical form employs mathematical models that are cryptographic to transform the original information into a jumbled collection of characters (also known as ciphertext). The encryption algorithms “scramble” bits of data in a random fashion, such that even with enormous computing power, it would take a very long time to try and determine the key needed to convert back to plain text.
For example, if you employ the most popular type of encryption, known as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for your digital files, each one of the ones and zeros that comprise it gets scrambled ten times in an uni-random pattern. Without the right key to decipher it, a computer would have to run for an extremely long time to sort them into the proper order.
The encryption process also helps prevent data leaks and ransomware attacks. If a hacker steals encrypted data, they won’t be able to access it and will be in a position to not blackmail the business or anyone else involved in the risk of releasing the stolen information to the dark web. Furthermore, encryption protects backup systems from hackers as they can’t access the information in its original form.