Protect Your Data Using Encryption - Cyber Security (2024)

Protect Your Data Using Encryption - Cyber Security (1)

What is Encryption?

Encryption is a method of protecting data and ensuring it is kept private. Encryption works by a process of encoding messages or information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it with the correct cypher, key or password.

Forms of encryption have been in use for millennia, today we mostly think of encryption as a tool used to provide security to data stored on our various technological devices.

How can I use Encryption?

We all have information worth protecting; financial data, medical information, University teaching, administration and research data. Encryption is a tool that we can use to ensure that this data stays protected and private even if disaster strikes, for example a lost or stolen laptop, phone or USB storage device, or a data file accidentally emailed to the wrong person!

Encryption can also provide an extra layer of security for data stored in the cloud, particularity public cloud services like Dropbox.

What Data Encryption tools could I use?

Hard Disk Encryption

Encrypting a hard disk for example in a laptop protects the data stored on the laptop from unauthorised access in the event that the laptop is lost or stolen.
IT Services provide a managed laptop hard disk encryption service this product is fully integrated with your operating system so does not require a separate login.
Enquire with the Service desk today to discover how this service could be of use to you.

File/Folder Encryption

Encrypting a specific file or folder can protect that file in transit for example if you wished to email it to someone.

Microsoft 365 provides AES 256 bit encryption, you can use this to easily encrypt a Word, Excel or PowerPoint document. This form of encryption is effective once you select a strong password.

Note: it is important to send the decryption key or password by a separate communications medium or message so that someone cannot intercept it along with the encrypted file.

It's important to know that if you don't remember your file encryption password neither IT Services nor Microsoft can retrieve this forgotten passwords. You won’t be able to open your file and you will lose access to the information in this file.

Encryption options in mobile devices

Most phones or tablets allow you to encrypt your data by adding a passcode or passphrase. Sometimes this functionality is built in and sometimes third-party software is available. It is always desirable to encrypt data on a mobile device as encryption secures your data if your device is lost or stolen. You can find out exactly how to ensure that data on your phone or tablet is encrypted from the device vendor’s website.

Finally be aware of the things that Encryption can’t do:

Encryption isn’t fool proof, there are different levels or strengths of encryption but if used correctly it should make it very difficult for anyone to access your confidential data but remember:

  • You need to take care of your encryption keys (passwords) so that you can access the encrypted data yourself in the future!
  • Encryption won’t protect your files from malware or viruses
  • Encryption can’t protect your data if you leave a device logged in and unattended
  • Encryption won’t protect you well if you choose a weak encryption key or password.
Protect Your Data Using Encryption - Cyber Security (2024)

FAQs

Protect Your Data Using Encryption - Cyber Security? ›

Encryption of Confidential data communicated between a user's browser and a web-based application should be provided through the use of secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS, TLS/SSL, etc.) The display of confidential data should be limited to only what is required by the user's authorized use of the application.

How to protect data using encryption? ›

A key is used to encrypt and decrypt data, and encryption at rest keeps the key safe. You can use a PIN, password or hardware authentication system to protect the key, making it impossible for hackers to steal data even if they have physical access to the device.

What is data encryption in cyber security? ›

Data Encryption Definition

Data encryption converts data from a readable, plaintext format into an unreadable, encoded format: ciphertext. Users and processes can only read and process encrypted data after it is decrypted. The decryption key is secret, so it must be protected against unauthorized access.

What role does encryption play in cybersecurity? ›

It helps protect private information, sensitive data, and can enhance the security of communication between client apps and servers. In essence, when your data is encrypted, even if an unauthorized person or entity gains access to it, they will not be able to read it.

What are the four 4 most secure encryption techniques? ›

Best Encryption Algorithms
  • AES. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the trusted standard algorithm used by the United States government, as well as other organizations. ...
  • Triple DES. ...
  • RSA. ...
  • Blowfish. ...
  • Twofish. ...
  • Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA).
Jul 16, 2024

How do I encrypt secure data? ›

Data encryption is a security method that translates data into a code, or ciphertext, that can only be read by people with access to a secret key or password. The unencrypted data is called plaintext. The science of encrypting and decrypting information is known as cryptography.

What is an encryption key in cyber security? ›

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.

What are the different encryption techniques in cyber security? ›

There are two types of encryption in widespread use today: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. The name derives from whether or not the same key is used for encryption and decryption.

What are the encryption standards in cyber security? ›

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

AES has three different key lengths to encrypt and decrypt a block of messages: 128-bit, 192-bit, and 256-bit. AES is widely used for protecting data at rest in such applications as databases and hard drives.

How do cybercriminals use encryption? ›

After ransomware has gained access to a system, it can begin encrypting its files. Since encryption functionality is built into an operating system, this simply involves accessing files, encrypting them with an attacker-controlled key, and replacing the originals with the encrypted versions.

How encrypting data prevents unauthorized access? ›

Encryption is the process of concealing data by using a code. After encryption, in order to read or use the concealed data, the code used during encryption must be known. This process is called decryption. Encryption and decryption are used to allow access to data only to those who have the code.

What attacks does encryption protect against? ›

Security threats – attacks such as denial of service, malware, database invasion and unauthorised internet access are highly prevalent, but can all be averted using cyber security encryption. Data interception – as data is passed over communication channels such as email, it can be intercepted and stolen.

How does cybersecurity protect your personal information? ›

Multi-factor authentication.

Multi-factor authentication is a process that asks the user to verify their identity in multiple ways — 2FA typically asks you to enter your login credentials, along with a code sent through email or text messages. The additional confirmation creates an extra hurdle for password thieves.

How do you protect your personal data? ›

What Can I Do to Protect My Personal Information?
  1. create strong and unique passwords for online accounts.
  2. shop safe on the Internet using secure online payment services.
  3. stay aware of the risks of using the Internet, email and social engineering tactics (such as phishing.)

How does encryption protect your customers' data? ›

Encryption uses cryptography to conceal information by altering it so that it appears to be random, unintelligible data. With encryption, you need a password to view data stored on hard drives, computers, smartphones and in the cloud, as well as in transit data on the internet.

What methods are used to encrypt data? ›

There are two types of encryption in widespread use today: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. The name derives from whether or not the same key is used for encryption and decryption.

How do I make my encryption secure? ›

A strong encryption algorithm requires a strong encryption key, a strong mathematical algorithm, and a complex encryption process. Strong encryption keys are passwords for encryption. The longer the password or the more complex the password, the more difficult it will be to guess.

How does encryption protect files? ›

File encryption is a security method that converts your files into ciphertext or unreadable data. By using this method, you may be sure that even if unauthorized people access your files, they won't be able to understand the contents without the decryption key.

Is encryption still an effective method of protecting data? ›

Encryption can be an effective information protection control when it is necessary to possess confidential data. Encryption is the process of concealing data by using a code. After encryption, in order to read or use the concealed data, the code used during encryption must be known. This process is called decryption.

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