When you think of cybersecurity, encryption is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. For many businesses, ensuring the safety of sensitive data is an ongoing concern. But how does encryption work, and what exactly is it? In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysteries of encryption, and show you why it’s essential for protecting your business data.
How Does Encryption Work and Why is it Important?
Encryption is a method of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. In today’s world of tech-savvy business, data breaches and cyberattacks are growing increasingly common, and according to a 2023 report by IBM, the average cost of a data breach has reached $4.24 million.1 Encryption is one of the best defenses to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
For businesses handling sensitive data—such as customer information, financial records, and proprietary secrets—encryption ensures that even if data falls into the wrong hands, it remains unreadable and secure, saving your business from significant financial and even legal consequences. But that still leaves the matter of how.
The Process of Encryption for Protecting Data
So how does encryption work? The general process involves scrambling data into an unreadable format, so it can’t be read by anyone without the proper decryption key—but let’s take a closer look at the details.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption
First, the data is broken into small chunks called blocks and then run through a mathematical algorithm that converts it into code. Encryption can be broadly categorized into two types: symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encryption and decryption. This means that the sender and receiver must both have access to the same secret key. While symmetric encryption is fast and efficient, the challenge lies in securely sharing the key.
Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, involves two keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key can be shared openly, while the private key remains confidential. This eliminates the need for secure key distribution but requires more computational power.
How Encryption Algorithms Work
Okay, but how does encryption work when it comes to the algorithm itself? Encryption algorithms are the mathematical formulas used to encode and decode data. Common algorithms include Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), RSA, and Blowfish.
AES, for example, is widely used for securing sensitive data due to its high level of security and efficiency. It works by dividing data into blocks and then transforming each block through multiple rounds of substitution and permutation, resulting in highly encrypted data.
RSA, named after its creators Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman, is an example of asymmetric encryption. It relies on the mathematical properties of large prime numbers to generate public and private keys, making it highly secure but slower than AES.
Real-Life Application of Encryption
In practice, encryption is used in various applications such as securing online transactions, protecting stored data, and ensuring safe communication. For instance, HTTPS websites use SSL/TLS protocols to encrypt data transmitted between a user’s browser and the server, safeguarding sensitive information like credit card details.
Similarly, many email services employ end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the intended recipient can read the message contents, offering an additional layer of privacy for users.
Teaming Up With a Professional for Secure Encryption
While understanding the basics of encryption is beneficial, implementing it effectively requires expertise. Misconfigurations or outdated encryption methods can leave your business vulnerable to attacks. This is where partnering with a professional IT service provider like Brightline IT becomes invaluable.
Brightline IT specializes in configuring secure encryption services tailored to your business needs. Our team of experts stays updated with the latest encryption standards and best practices, ensuring that your data remains secure. We also offer continuous monitoring and maintenance, ensuring that your encryption protocols adapt to evolving threats.
Choose Brightline IT for Your Encryption Needs
If you’re still confused and find yourself wondering how encryption works, trust the experts to handle it for you. At Brightline IT, our proactive approach to encryption and cybersecurity minimizes the risk of data breaches, allowing you to focus on your core business operations with peace of mind.
Don’t leave your business data at risk. Contact Brightline IT today to learn more about how our security services can safeguard your sensitive information. With our expertise, you can enhance your cybersecurity and protect your business from potential threats—before they happen.
