Encryption is the process of scrambling data and information into a form that can only be decoded by those who possess the keys. This can be accomplished using various mathematic models and is used daily to safeguard the data and information that consumers and businesses use in their everyday lives.
Modern encryption algorithms play an essential role in providing the confidentiality of digital data stored on computers or transmitted over networks like the internet. It also offers security measures like authentication (verifying the authenticity of a message) and integrity (ensuring that it has see post not been altered) and non-repudiation (the ability to prove that a person or company sent the message).
Algorithms are used to convert plaintext in encrypted text. The ciphertext is only converted back to plaintext with a decryption code, which is a secret string of numbers or passwords that the sender and recipient agree upon. The more secure the cryptographic keys, the harder it is for third parties to decipher them using brute force methods.
Many privacy and security laws require strong encryption to ensure that personal information remains private and secure. Many individuals and businesses utilize encryption to secure their files, folders, and entire computers with software applications such as 7-Zip and CertainSafe and they can also protect their entire hard drive into the cloud with virtual private networks. Many companies offer a variety of encryption options to provide the strongest protection.