Data encryption is a reliable cybersecurity measure. It converts sensitive information into a language that only the intended recipient is able to decode the message. It is an essential part of digital transformation since it safeguards the security of data stored on or transmitted via computer systems or networks like the Internet. It also provides the security of authenticity and integrity, making sure that the data is not altered or altered during transmission or storage.
The process of encrypting data involves converting the original information into a form that can only be read by the person receiving it using a password or key. In most instances, the recipient is able to convert the ciphertext into its original format. Modern encryption techniques use algorithms that scramble the original data to the ciphertext. Various methods and algorithms are employed to accomplish this which include transposition and substitution techniques. The Caesar cipher, named for the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, is an early example of a cipher for substitution that uses a system whereby each letter is replaced with another one a fixed number of positions down the alphabet (e.g., “E” becomes “Y”).
It is commonly required to maintain the compliance of regulations set by multiple organizations or standards bodies, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other consumer protection laws. It is also a crucial security measure for protecting sensitive information about clients, companies or patient data from cyberattacks. Retailers need to, for instance, safeguard credit card data and shipping details when they transfer data across networks or between systems. The encryption process can also protect data stored on computers, USB devices and other hardware from theft, either physical or virtual, by hackers.