Encryption is a powerful tool that can help protect your sensitive personal information from unauthorized access or misuse. As data breaches and cyber attacks grow more common, encryption provides an extra layer of security for your most private data.
What Is Encryption And How Does It Work?
Encryption is the process of scrambling or encoding data so that only authorized parties can access it. It converts plaintext information into ciphertext that looks like gibberish to anyone without the decryption key.
The most common type of encryption used today is asymmetric encryption, also known as public key encryption. It uses a pair of keys – a public key and a private key – to encrypt and decrypt data.
- The public key is used to encrypt data. It can be freely shared.
- The private key is used to decrypt data. It must be kept secret by its owner.
Together, the two keys are used to secure information:
- Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the matching private key.
- Data encrypted with the private key can only be decrypted with the matching public key.
This allows sensitive data to be securely transmitted between parties. Only those with the private key can decrypt the data.
Why Encryption Is Important For Protecting Personal Data
Encryption helps provide data security and privacy in several key ways:
-
It prevents unauthorized access to data. Encrypted data appears scrambled and unreadable to anyone without the decryption key. This protects it from cybercriminals.
-
It secures data in transit. Encryption scrambles data being transmitted over networks, so it cannot be read if intercepted. This is essential for protecting data sent over the internet.
-
It enables private communication. Encrypted messaging apps like Signal allow you to have private conversations without fear of eavesdropping. The messages can only be read by the intended recipient.
-
It future-proofs data. Even if encryption is cracked in the future, properly encrypted data from the past will remain protected. This means historic data stays private.
For these reasons, encryption is a vital tool for protecting your personal information online:
-
Passwords – Encrypted password storage prevents hackers from easily stealing login credentials.
-
Financial data – Encryption secures bank account details, credit card numbers and other sensitive financial data.
-
Medical records – Encryption keeps your personal health data private and compliant with regulations like HIPAA.
-
Private communications – Encrypted messaging and voice calls prevent surveillance and retain confidentiality.
-
Cloud storage – Encryption enables secure cloud backup of personal data and files.
Examples Of Encryption In Action To Protect Your Data
Here are some real-world examples of encryption helping to safeguard personal data:
Encrypted Messaging Apps
Apps like Signal and WhatsApp provide end-to-end encrypted messaging and calling. This means only you and the person you’re communicating with can read or listen to your conversations. Not even the app provider can access the encrypted data. This allows you to privately discuss sensitive topics through messaging without worrying about cybercriminals or government surveillance.
Password Managers
Password managers like LastPass and 1Password store your login credentials in encrypted vaults that are unlocked with a master password. This protects your passwords from hackers even if they breach the password manager’s servers. The encryption means the stored passwords remain scrambled and inaccessible without your master password to decrypt them.
Full Disk Encryption
Full disk encryption offered on Operating Systems like Windows, MacOS and iOS encrypts all data on your hard drive. This ensures no one can access your files and information without entering your encryption password when you boot up your device. This protects your data if your devices are lost, stolen or subject to unauthorized access.
HTTPS Websites
The HTTPS protocol encrypts all traffic between your browser and a website. This prevents hackers on public Wi-Fi networks from spying on your activity and data sent to/from websites. HTTPS encryption is now standard on reputable websites, especially for login pages and financial transactions.
How To Start Using Encryption To Protect Your Personal Information
Here are some tips to begin using encryption to better safeguard your personal data:
-
Use a password manager. Start storing your passwords in an encrypted password manager rather than reusing the same passwords across accounts.
-
Enable full disk encryption. Turn on full disk encryption options for your devices through your OS settings. Set a strong encryption password.
-
Use encrypted messaging apps. Download encrypted messaging apps like Signal and use them for sensitive communications in place of regular SMS or chat apps.
-
Check for HTTPS. When visiting websites, look for the padlock icon and https:// in the URL to ensure your connection is encrypted. Avoid entering sensitive data on unencrypted http:// sites.
-
Back up data to encrypted clouds. Use cloud storage services that offer client-side encryption like pCloud to securely back up your personal data encrypted only you can access.
-
Encrypt sensitive files. Use encryption tools like VeraCrypt to encrypt specific files and folders you want to keep private and secure if devices get compromised.
The widespread adoption of encryption protects the privacy and security of all individuals in the digital age. By taking steps to encrypt your personal data, you can powerfully defend yourself against growing cyber threats. Encryption lets you harness the benefits of the digital world without sacrificing your privacy and control over sensitive personal information.
