Precisely offers IBM i data security products to help you protect sensitive data & meet compliance
What are encryption keys?
An encryption key is a string of specifically organized bits designed to unscramble and decipher encrypted data. Each key is specific to a specific encryption code, therefore making each key unique and difficult to replicable.
Encryption keys are necessary to decipher plaintext that is hidden within encoded messages. They must be unique to each piece of shared data (e.g., personally identifiable information (PII), personal healthcare information (PHI) and personal card information (PCI)) in order to ensure the highest amount of security.
The value of encryption keys
Creating a document that has important data for business is a common theme within any company. Sharing this data today is riskier than ever and encrypting it with unreadable text is a must.
Sharing an encryption key with a message’s intended recipients is paramount for maintaining a high level of security when sharing data. Using the algorithmic key, recipients are able to safely access the unencrypted data.
IBM i Encryption with FieldProc and Assure Encryption: Protecting Data at Rest
Different types of data encryption
Symmetric forms of encryption make unique use of a singular key that serves as the encryptor and decryptor and are the primary safeguards for securing data at rest. The downside of using a symmetric encryption system is that the password can be stolen. While this is uncommon, it does present a risk.
Precisely addresses this risk with key management tools and supplemental key management systems for off-system key storage.
Public encryption, AKA asymmetric encryption, relies on complex algorithms, as well, but involves two keys: there is a separate key (password) for both the encryption and decryption processes. A public key is used for encryption purposes and a private key is used for deciphering the encryption. The private key is shared with recipients to access the data. Asymmetric encryption is rarely used for data at rest, but is typical for data in motion.
Encryption is only as safe as the algorithmic key that is used. Precisely takes this aspect of encryption very seriously and can ensure that valuable business data is safely and securely shared across platforms.
Assure Security provides the strong protection for encryption keys that is central to a secure encryption strategy.
