In essence, encryption is the method of encrypting data and information into an unreadable form that can only be unlocked by the parties that have the keys. This can be done with an array of mathematical models and is utilized every day to protect the data and information consumers and businesses use in their everyday lives.
Modern encryption algorithms are vital to protect the confidentiality of data stored on computers or transmitted via networks such as the internet. It also provides security measures such as additional reading authentication (verifying the source of the message) as well as integrity (ensuring that it isn’t altered) and anti-repudiation.
Algorithms are used to convert plaintext into encrypted text. The ciphertext is only readable using a decryption code which is a secret password or a sequence of numbers that the sender and the recipient have agreed upon. The stronger the cryptographic key, the more difficult for unauthorised third parties to decipher through brute force methods such as trying every possible string of characters.
Many privacy and security regulations require the use of strong encryption to ensure that personal information stays private and secure. A lot of people and companies utilize encryption to safeguard files as well as entire computers with programs such as 7-Zip and CertainSafe. They can also protect the entire hard drive in the cloud through virtual private networks. Many companies offer a variety of encryption options that provide the best protection.