Data encryption is a security method that converts information into a coded format that only authorized users can read. Encrypted data is scrambled through a special algorithm. Similar to a bank vault that requires a combination or key to access it, encrypted data remains locked away from unauthorized access and needs the correct key to unlock it.

With the current threat landscape, including advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, and insider threats, encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information, especially when it's being sent over the internet or stored on devices.

In this encryption guide, you'll learn how developing and implementing a comprehensive encryption strategy can position you as a leader in dealing with secure data and information.

Whether you store documents on a hard drive or send information over the internet, data encryption is a vital component of data security and privacy strategies in any business. Readable data, in the form of plaintext, converts into ciphertext — or encoded data — with the help of encryption algorithms.

There are two main categories of encryption algorithms, each serving a different purpose and having unique categories.

1. Symmetric encryption

In symmetric encryption, you use the same key for encryption and decryption. This means both the sender and the recipient must possess the secret key to access the plaintext. Symmetric encryption algorithms are generally faster and more efficient for encrypting large amounts of data.

Some common symmetric encryption algorithms and use cases include:

• Advanced encryption standard (AES): AES is widely used for securing sensitive data in various applications, including file encryption. This has become the go-to standard for government and financial institutions because it is highly secure and efficient. ‍
• Data encryption standard (DES): DES is an older encryption standard that was once one of the most widely used symmetric algorithms. However, it has been largely replaced by AES, which is considered weak by modern standards and susceptible to brute-force attacks. ‍
• Triple DES (3DES): 3DES is an enhancement of DES that applies the algorithm three times to each data block. It's more secure than DES but slower than AES. ‍
• Blowfish: Known for its speed and effectiveness in encrypting data, Blowfish is suitable for applications that require fast encryption and minimal memory use.

2. Asymmetric encryption

Asymmetric encryption involves using a pair of keys — a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This method is often used for secure communications and digital signatures. It uses multiple keys through complex procedures and works slower than symmetric encryption.

These are the most common asymmetric encryption algorithms:

• Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA): RSA provides strong security that protects sensitive data transfers and creates digital signatures. The processing power needed for encryption and decryption can place a significant demand on systems and operations. ‍
• Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC): ECC offers a high level of security with smaller key sizes and improved performance. It has become increasingly popular for mobile devices and applications that require efficient processing.

Encryption protocols and standards are essential frameworks and guidelines that define how data should be encrypted and transmitted securely over networks. They ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data, protecting it from unauthorized access and cybersecurity threats.

Here's an overview of some of the most common encryption protocols and standards:

• Secure sockets layer (SSL): This cryptographic protocol was developed to secure all data transmitted over the internet. Although TLS has largely replaced it, SSL is still commonly used to refer to secure connections, as it paved the way for modern secure communication protocols. ‍
• Transport layer security (TLS): TLS is a cryptographic protocol that evolved from the earlier SSL protocol. It provides secure communication over a computer network by combining asymmetric encryption, symmetric encryption, and message authentication codes. Commonly used to secure web traffic and email communications, TLS ensures that data exchanged between clients and servers remains confidential and unaltered during transit. ‍
• Internet protocol security (IPsec): IPsec is commonly used in virtual private networks (VPNs) to secure data transmitted across unsecured networks. When you send data, like an email or a file, IPsec makes sure that this data is both verified and scrambled. Even it it's going through a public or unsecured network, your information stays private and unchanged. ‍
• Pretty good privacy (PGP): This data encryption and decryption program combines symmetric and asymmetric encryption to secure emails and files and create digital signatures. PGP is known for its strong privacy features and has been adopted by many organizations for secure communications. ‍
• Secure/multipurpose internet mail extensions (S/MIME): This protocol uses asymmetric encryption to secure emails and ensure the sender's authenticity using digital certificates. It's commonly used in enterprise environments and reduces the risk of email spoofing and tampering.

To enhance your security posture, start by assessing your current data protection measures and consider implementing TLS for all web communications.

Data encryption serves various purposes that are essential for data protection strategies:

• Confidentiality: Encryption algorithms act like a secret code, turning readable information into a scrambled format that only authorized users can decode with a decryption key. This allows confidentiality in protecting personal data, financial information, and proprietary business information. ‍
• Data integrity: Many encryption schemes incorporate hashing algorithms that generate a unique hash value for the data. If someone tries to modify the data, the hash value will change, alerting users to potential tampering or corruption. ‍
• Authentication: Digital signatures and certificates help verify the sender's identity and the integrity of the message, ensuring that the data originates from legitimate sources. ‍
• Regulatory compliance: Many industries, including health care, finance, and telecommunications, are subject to regulations that mandate the protection of sensitive data. Encryption helps organizations comply with laws and standards such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). ‍
• Protection against data breaches: Network encryption is a critical defense mechanism against data breaches. Even if unauthorized individuals gain access to encrypted data, they cannot read or use it without the proper decryption keys, significantly reducing the risk of data exposure during a breach. ‍
• Support for secure cloud services: As organizations increasingly rely on cloud storage and services, encryption helps secure data stored in the cloud. Encrypting data before it's uploaded ensures that even cloud service providers cannot access the content without the necessary decryption keys.

Data encryption is multifaceted in network security. Encryption can secure data stored on servers, databases, and cloud environments. It's a proactive measure against various cybersecurity threats, including ransomware and other data breaches. You can minimize the potential impact of security incidents with network security solutions that ensure even stolen data remains unreadable without the appropriate authorization.

In today's data-driven economy, effective network security, including encryption, protects data and safeguards your organization's reputation and trustworthiness. At Darktrace, we specialize in providing advanced encryption solutions that seamlessly integrate into your network security framework, ensuring your data remains secure in an evolving threat landscape. We have the most advanced network detection and response (NDR) solution powered by self-learning AI.

Learn more about network security with our resources or request a demo to see Darktrace's network security in action.