There was a time when it was only enterprise players caring about data encryption and such related keywords.
Today, the average tech consumer is seeking to know more about their data privacy and security. Thus, one of the buzzwords that cross the radar is data encryption.
What is data encryption?
Data encryption refers to the process of making data unreadable to any other entity besides the authorized user(s).
In other words, it entails restricting access to a sensitive piece of data so that it does not get into the wrong hands.
With more sensitive data being converted to such digital forms that can be carried around with us these days, it becomes important to learn how to better encrypt data.
Otherwise, something as simple as a phone breach could reveal all account login passwords, credit card details, intimate pictures, and sensitive work files, among others.
Ways to implement data encryption
Most data encryption practices are live around you. Chances are that you have even engaged in data encryption multiple times today.
Some of the common ways/ methods around us today include the following.
#1 Built-in Programs
Most devices and apps have built-in functionality for data encryption.
Chat apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, for example) offer an end-to-end encryption model. This means that only the recipient and the sender can see messages in that chat.
The same applies to voice and video calls. This prevents anyone outside the network from snooping in.
Devices also come with unique encryption models. For example, the Mac ships with FileVault which encrypts all hard drive data as soon as the computer is switched off.
#2 Traffic Encryption
Security enthusiasts and researchers have found that threat actors could intercept internet traffic coming from/ going to a device. Inside that traffic data are a lot of things – from your device type, browser type, and location to information you have entered online.
Thus, solutions like the Tor browser present themselves to encrypt user data at the entry and exit nodes. Likewise, securing your device with a VPN will encrypt your internet traffic, even when on unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
#3 Password Managers
Passwords are designed to encrypt the data on your device till it is unlocked again.
Since most people set poor passwords themselves, though, having a password manager becomes important.
Some password managers have a built-in password generation tool, making the process even simpler. Instead of just storing and securing your password data with them, you can also get the best passwords from the same app.
How seriously do you take data encryption?
We do hope that your answer is very serious.
If not, now is the time to start.
Encrypting your data is not limited to your smartphones and computers alone. Anything that can connect to the internet at all should be locked down. If you don’t believe us, ask the casino that got hacked through an aquarium thermostat.