Encryption

Encryption prevents data theft, alteration, or compromise by scrambling data into a secret code that only a unique digital key can unlock. Cryptography, the science of encrypting and decrypting information, underpins this process.

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What is Encryption?

Encryption involves safeguarding information or data by scrambling it using mathematical techniques, ensuring that only those with the appropriate key can access it.
The complexity of encryption can vary widely, with mathematicians and computer scientists devising different methods to protect data used by individuals and businesses daily.
Encryption can protect data stored on computers, during transmission between computers, or while computers process it, whether they’re on-site or in remote cloud servers.
In computing, we call data that isn’t encrypted “plaintext“, and when it’s encrypted, we refer to it as “ciphertext“.
Encryption algorithms, also known as ciphers, represent the formulas utilized to encode and decode messages.
A crucial aspect of a cipher’s algorithm is the inclusion of a variable called a key, which is essential for effective encryption. The key distinguishes the output of a cipher.

Types of Encryptions

Symmetric Encryption

In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. This key is often referred to as a shared key or private key.
Symmetric encryption methods are more cost-effective and demand less computational power for encrypting and decrypting data. This efficiency reduces delays in accessing encoded information.
However, a significant drawback is the vulnerability that arises if an unauthorized individual gains access to the key. In such a scenario, they can decrypt any intercepted messages or data exchanged between parties.
Consequently, to address this security concern, the transfer of the shared key must be encrypted using a different cryptographic key. This measure creates a dependency cycle, adding another layer of protection to the communication process.

Asymmetric Encryption

Asymmetric encryption, also called public-key cryptography, operates with two different keys for encrypting and decrypting data.
One of these keys is the public key, which everyone can use to encrypt messages. However, only those possessing the corresponding private key can decrypt these messages.
Asymmetric encryption demands more resources and computational power due to the size of the public key, typically ranging from 1,024 to 2,048 bits.
Consequently, asymmetric encryption isn’t ideal for handling large data packets due to its resource-intensive nature.

How Encryption Works

Encryption works by converting “plaintext” into “ciphertext,” typically using cryptographic mathematical models known as algorithms.
To decode the data back to plaintext, a decryption key, a string of numbers or a password generated by an algorithm, is required.
Secure encryption methods use so many cryptographic keys that an unauthorised person cannot guess which one is correct, nor can a computer easily calculate the correct string of characters by trying every possible combination (a brute force attack).
A cryptographic key is a string of characters that is used within an encryption algorithm to make data appear random. It locks (encrypts) data in the same way that a physical key does, so that only someone with the correct key can unlock (decrypt) it.
The “Caesar cypher,” named after Roman emperor Julius Caesar because he used it in his private correspondence, is an early example of a simple encryption.
In this cipher method, we replace one letter with another by moving a set number of positions down the alphabet.
The recipient would need to know the key to the cypher, such as shifting down the alphabet four places and over to the left (a “left shift four”), to decrypt the coded text. As a result, every “E” becomes a “Y” and so on.
Modern cryptography is far more sophisticated, employing strings of hundreds (or even thousands) of computer-generated characters as decryption keys in some cases.

Why is data encryption necessary?

Privacy: Encryption ensures that only the intended recipient or the rightful data owner can read communications or stored data. This stops hackers, advertisers, internet providers, and sometimes governments from spying on sensitive information.

Security: Encryption protects data from breaches by securing it whether you’re sending or storing it. If you lose or someone steals your work device, but its hard drive is encrypted, your data stays safe. Encrypted communication lets you share sensitive information without risking leaks.

Data integrity: Encryption safeguards against tampering during transmission, thwarting malicious attacks. It ensures that the recipient receives untampered data over the internet.

Authentication: Public key encryption, among other methods, verifies a website’s legitimacy by confirming its ownership of the private key in its TLS certificate. This assures users they’re on the authentic website, enhancing security.

Regulations: Many industry and government regulations mandate encryption for companies handling user data. Standards like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and the GDPR require encryption to protect sensitive information, ensuring compliance.

Significance of Data Encryption

Encryption helps keep our smartphones, computers, and online transactions safe from prying eyes. It’s like putting a lock on our digital information.
When we see “https://” in a website’s address, it means our connection to that site is secure. This is crucial for safely making bank deposits or buying things online.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) use encryption to shield our data from snoops when we’re browsing the internet. It’s like a secret tunnel for our online activity.
Encryption is like a shield that defends our data from hackers and other cyber dangers. It’s vital for keeping our personal information safe.
Many industries, such as healthcare, education, finance, and retail, must use encryption by law to safeguard sensitive information. The law mandates this to protect people’s privacy.
Key Functions of Encryption:
- Confidentiality: Encryption hides the content of our data, like sealing it in an envelope.
- Integrity: It ensures that the messages or data we receive are genuine and haven’t been tampered with.
- Authentication: Encryption confirms the identity of the sender, like verifying a signature.
- Nonrepudiation: It prevents someone from denying that they sent a message or data, like having a receipt for proof.