Encryption is a bit mysterious, but it’s becoming more and more necessary in today’s tumultuous cyber-landscape. Luckily, more and more Security technologies are incorporating Encryption features.

But what is encryption? At its core, encryption is the conversion of information into some kind of code so unauthorized parties can’t see it. It can get more complex, but that’s the general idea — encryption protects your data.

Not only can it protect your information, but it can also reduce the stress of hoping your data is safe. Just look at this guy:

From passwords to datasets, encryption can protect virtually any information. In the modern world, hackers continue to succeed in penetrating applications, networks and databases. So the more encryption you have, the less a hacker can use once he’s penetrated the network.

What is encryption?

Understanding encryption

Think of the way you read this blog. Normal words like these are easily interpreted and often referred to as plaintext. Encryption turns plaintext into something called ciphertext. Algorithms generate the cipher, which can only be decrypted by authorized users.

Early encryption began before computers even existed. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Assyrians encrypted their hieroglyphs and trading tools so only intended parties could understand their statements.

Time passed and encryption continued. The WWII story of Alan Turing and the Enigma machine is hinged upon deciphering encrypted messages to gain sensitive Nazi war plans. But once the computer came into play, encryption became more useful and more powerful.

Modern encryption followed the development of mainframe and personal computers. Early computers could encrypt documents and require keys to access sensitive data. The information age and the onset of the internet not only increased the technology behind encryption, but the necessity for it.

Today, encryption secures information from bitcoin transactions to government databases. And there are tons of ways to incorporate encryption into your IT setup to beef up security.

Overall encryption

The overall benefit is information security. But information can travel through applications, across networks and between devices. General network encryption tools like Tor and Privatoria can create virtual private networks (VPNs) or layered anonymous networks to protect users from malicious sites. Networks interlink anonymously or refer you to a server on the other side of the world. This either blocks your IP addresses visibility or presents an alternate one.

These general-purpose tools can help protect sensitive information from many access points, keeping people and businesses safe. But they’re not the only tools utilizing encryption technology.

Data security

Many data security and mobile data security solutions have features to store information in encrypted forms or require encrypted keys for access control. These tools protect stored data and data being transferred between networks from access by hackers. They can be used within applications to fortify their backend information and secure user data.

But data security can be used for things from virtual environments and databases, to individual files and communications. Local files can be encrypted and stored wherever the users desires with the assurance only approved parties will have access.

Device security and endpoints

Endpoints are often the most susceptible devices that hackers can gain access into. Endpoints are simply any device employees are using to gain access into the company network. The bring-your-own-device (BYOD) world has made it difficult for companies to manage security across dozens of device types, operating systems and applications.

Endpoint protection is one of our largest security categories, and many of the solutions have encryption features to protect local data.

• Symantec Endpoint Protection
• McAfee Endpoint Protection
• Webroot Endpoint Protection
• Sophos Endpoint Security
• Trend Micro Endpoint Security
• SentinelOne
• CB Defense
• Comodo Endpoint Protection

This could prevent hackers who accessed an individual device from entering networks or viewing sensitive information, easing stress on both the company and the user while securing data and saving money.

Users often forget to update operating systems and applications, leaving them highly susceptible to theft, saving companies from worrying if an employee loses his laptop at the airport or his tablet in a coffee shop. Endpoint protection tools can help identify outdated software and keep user devices up to date with the latest fortification techniques.

Content security

Information is all over the place — whether we like it or not. Every day we send emails and instant messages at work that should never be seen by competitors or thieves. And it’s hard to know when your email or device has been compromised.

Companies often use secure email gateways and secure web gateways to prevent against things like adware or phishing scams. These tools control what users can access through web and content filtering. They identify ads with dangerous links and block emails from suspicious senders.

Professional culture and careless behavior can significantly contribute to the vulnerability of information systems. Companies don’t always explain best practices for making passwords or clicking links. These tools help combat human error and reduce the frequency of employees encountering potentially dangerous content.

Encryption has evolved from ancient communication to a technology of the future. It’s often the only thing in the way of a hacker viewing credit information, passwords, and just about anything you can think of. These tools can save companies from unintentionally endangering themselves and their customers.