In essence, encryption is the method of encrypting data and information into the form which can only be reconstructed by those who hold the keys. This can be accomplished using various mathematical models and is used to safeguard data and information in the daily lives of consumers and businesses.
Modern encryption algorithms play a critical role in ensuring the security of data that is stored on computer systems or transmitted via networks like the internet. It also offers security measures such as authentication (verifying the source of a message) and integrity (ensuring it hasn’t been altered) and anti-repudiation.
Algorithms are employed to convert plaintext into encrypted text. The ciphertext can only be read by decryption codes, which is a secret password or a sequence of numbers that the sender and the recipient have agreed on. The stronger the cryptographic keys, the harder it is for third-party users to crack the code using brute force methods.
Many privacy and security laws require the use of strong encryption to ensure that private information remains private and safe. Many people and businesses use encryption to safeguard their files, folders and entire computers using software programs such as 7-Zip or CertainSafe and they can also protect their entire hard drive into the cloud with virtual private networks. Many companies offer multiple encryption solutions, allowing for the strongest security.