Is Encryption Enough to Protect Your Data in 2024?

Encryption is an important tool for protecting data in the digital age, but is it enough on its own to keep information secure in 2024 and beyond? There are several key factors to consider when evaluating if encryption alone is sufficient:

The Increasing Power of Computers

As computers become more powerful, previously secure encryption can become vulnerable to brute force attacks. Strong encryption algorithms with longer key lengths are required to stay ahead of the processing capability of hackers.

• In the 1990s, 56-bit keys were considered secure.
• By 2005, 128-bit encryption was the minimum recommended standard.
• Looking ahead to 2024, 256-bit keys or higher will likely be needed to maintain robust protection against attacks by quantum computers and AI.

Relying solely on encryption puts data at risk as computers become able to crack ciphers faster than before. Additional security layers beyond encryption are prudent.

The Risk of Implementation Flaws

Even strong encryption algorithms can be undermined by flaws in their implementation.

• For example, the WannaCry ransomware in 2017 exploited vulnerabilities in implementations of the AES algorithm.

• In 2024, the challenge of implementing encryption correctly will be even greater due to:

• Increasing complexity of systems and networks

• More legacy technology still in use
• The rapid pace of software development

Proper encryption hygiene, vigilant patching and system hardening will be essential to avoid exploits.

Insider Threats

Encryption protects data from outsiders without the keys. However, it does not safeguard against abuse by insiders with authorized access.

• 51% of data breaches have involved internal actors.

• Employees, contractors or partners who encrypt sensitive data can still misuse credentials to exfiltrate or alter information.

Detecting and deterring insider threats requires controls like:

• Multifactor authentication
• Access logging
• Behavioral analytics
• Data loss prevention

The Need for Key Management

The strength of encryption depends on keeping keys secure. As reliance on encryption increases, the challenge of proper key management also grows.

• Complex systems can use thousands of keys requiring organized tracking
• Keys need to be distributed securely to authorized users
• Keys should be rotated and updated on a regular schedule
• Old keys need to be securely deleted when no longer needed

Failure to control keys makes data easily accessible if keys are lost, stolen, reused or improperly stored.

Adoption of Encryption by Default

To reap the full benefits of encryption, it needs to be enabled by default rather than as an afterthought.

• Studies show around half of company data goes unencrypted.

• The more data left unprotected, the more opportunities for compromise.

Moving forward, “encrypt everything” should be the approach to maximize information security.

The Layered Security Model

Relying on just encryption is insufficient for robust data protection as threats evolve. The strongest approach is layered security:

• Start with encryption to make data unreadable.
• Add access controls to restrict authorization.
• Implement data loss prevention to stop exfiltration.
• Utilize behavioral analytics to identify anomalies.
• Perform robust auditing and logging.

Adopting layered defenses provides much greater resilience against current and future threats.

Conclusion

Encryption will remain an essential tool for data security in 2024 and beyond. However, no single method can provide absolute protection. Organizations should take an adaptive, defense-in-depth approach combining strong encryption with multifactor access controls, data loss prevention, analytics and more. A proactive stance is required to stay ahead of the threats.