DIGITAL ENCYRPTION: WHAT TO KNOW

Encryption has become one of the most important technologies for securing sensitive personal, financial, governmental and business data in the digital age. But what exactly is encryption and how are complex mathematical codes able to keep information confidential?

At its most basic, encryption is the process of encoding data or messages in such a way that only authorized parties can access it. Sensitive information like passwords, files, phone calls, and texts are encrypted by applying complex mathematical formulas. That converts plaintext data into strings of unintelligible numbers, letters, and symbols called ciphertext.

Without knowing the exact decryption formulas and keys, cybercriminals, hackers and other unauthorized parties won’t be able decode the ciphertext back into usable, readable access.

Two main techniques are used in data encryption: symmetric encryption which relies on one secret key to both encrypt and decrypt data, and asymmetric or public-key encryption which uses different but mathematically connected public and private keys for each process.

Modern encryption methods incorporate robust algorithms ranging from the ubiquitous Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Blowfish symmetric ciphers to RSA and Diffie-Hellman asymmetric models. These apply intense mathematical operations to scramble and secure sensitive data.

Keys introduce further complexity. They enhance encryption strength exponentially – 128 or 256-bit AES keys for example, would take supercomputers millions of years to crack through brute force alone.

As cyberattacks and data leaks accelerate, encryption provides assurance for entities transferring confidential data or communicating sensitive matters digitally. It facilitates secure eCommerce, private messaging, threat detection, and beyond via cryptographic assurance.

Without advanced encryption protocols and applications, the digital world as we know it simply could not function securely. The mathematical codes that facilitate confidentiality and trust in our technology infrastructure thus become more vital than ever before.