Modern computers include tools to encrypt data, making it unreadable for those who don’t have the appropriate key. But what exactly is encryption and how does it function? This next article explains the basics of encryption and how it can be used to secure sensitive information from hackers.
In simple words, data encryption converts the information that is readable into encryption that can be deciphered only by authorized users with the right password. It is a crucial element of cyber security that guarantees data privacy and keeps sensitive information out of the fingers of users who are not authorized.
A common form of encryption makes use of cryptographic mathematical models to transform the original data into a garbled collection of characters that isn’t easily comprehendible (known as”ciphertext”). Encryption algorithms “scramble” bits of information in a randomized fashion so that even with a huge computing power, it could take a considerable amount of time to discover the key that will convert back to plain text.
If you are using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) which is the most commonly used encryption method for your digital files and files, then all the ones and zeros in the file is scrambled 10 times in a semi-random pattern. It will take a computer several hours to change all the numbers into the proper order, without the key.
The encryption process also helps prevent data leaks and ransomware attacks. Hackers who take encrypted data are unable to read the data and can’t threaten the company, or the individual involved with threats to release the stolen data to the dark web. It also protects backup systems from hackers since they can’t access the data in its original format.