What is encryption? This is no longer a rarely asked question, yet a lot of internet users are unaware of what it actually is. As torch bearers of online privacy, security, and anonymity, we felt that we should shed some light on what is encryption, how is it employed, why it is critical, and what do you need to do to encrypt your data.
So what is Encryption?
To begin with, encryption is the process of converting information or data into an unreadable form. Encryption is employed to protect digital data from the access of unauthorized personnel and from being abused. Encryption can be employed on any kind of data that is stored on data drives, memory cards or being travelled between internet devices such as Smartphones, Wi-Fi networks and so on.
— We have listed down the best data encryption software for data protection that you can read about if you can’t decide which option to go with.
How Does Encryption Work?
Now that you know what encryption is, check out this interesting and informative video by Code.org to learn about how encryption works. The video will also explain s 256-bit data encryption, public and private keys along. Check it out:
Deployment of End-to-End Encryption, But Is It enough?
Telegram, WhatsApp, and Viber were the first messaging services to introduce end-to-end encryption using the public and private key sharing method. More and more online service providers are working on adding data encryption features to their products so users don’t feel insecure about their online privacy and security.
Here’s an interesting video that explains the process of end to end encryption used for securing online communications:
Though the implementation of end-to-end encryption is great, the backdoors you just learned about at the end of the video ring loud alarms too.
This leaves internet users no other choice but to look for other data encryption tools, one of which is a VPN service. While we do suggest that you make yourself aware about which messaging apps are secure to use, you must ensure that you have a VPN service configured on your device.
Areas You Should Pay More Attention To
Though the entire internet is up against countless cyber threats but the areas in which you require encryption the most include:
Wireless Hotspots – Wireless or Wi-Fi hotspot connections are famous for jeopardizing users’ online privacy and security. It’s natural to find a non-password-protected Wi-Fi network and natural to feel that you should connect to it. But that’s exactly where the problem lies. The Wi-Fi hotspot can be a fake one, set up by a hacker with a name you trust (name of a restaurant, store, club nearby you) and if your data is not encrypted you can get into huge trouble.
It is also important to know that you are not only unsafe on a public Wi-Fi but your own Wi-Fi has backdoors too, which can be misused by cyber criminals. Remember that even though your Wi-Fi network is secured with a built-in WPA and WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocols). So make sure to have your internet device equipped with an online security tool such as a VPN.
Wired Networks – Though wired networks are not as unsafe as the wireless ones but they do pose harm to a certain extent, especially if there is a cyber criminal sitting on the same network. It is a must that you secure your internet connection through a VPN to avoid any kind of potential trouble.
Websites – Many websites today are secured with internet communication protocol “HTTPS” to keeps users’ data secure. So how would you ensure your online privacy and security on the non HTTPS websites? You can simply make use of a VPN to become safe even on the unsafe websites!
Understanding the technicalities of encryption and decryption is a bit tricky but what’s easy to comprehend is that it is all-important to get digital security, which can only be acquired via adequate encryption. So, now that you know what data encryption is and how important it is, you should use apps and software that provide encrypted environments, while keeping a VPN connected alongside for complete internet protection.
