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Tech Glossary

Data encryption

Data encryption is the process of converting plain, readable data into an encoded format, called ciphertext, that can only be decrypted and understood by authorized parties with the correct decryption key. The primary purpose of encryption is to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and security.

Encryption uses algorithms to scramble data, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t possess the right key. These algorithms can be symmetric or asymmetric. Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys—a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Common symmetric encryption algorithms include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard), while RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) are examples of asymmetric encryption algorithms.

Encryption is used in a variety of contexts, such as securing data at rest (data stored on a device or server) and data in transit (data transmitted across networks). For example, when you visit a website using HTTPS, your browser communicates with the web server over an encrypted connection using SSL/TLS protocols. This ensures that any sensitive information exchanged, like passwords or credit card details, is secure from eavesdropping or interception by malicious actors.

Data encryption is a critical component of cybersecurity strategies. It helps organizations comply with data protection regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which mandate the protection of personal and sensitive information. Additionally, encryption protects businesses from data breaches, which can result in financial losses, legal liabilities, and damage to their reputation.

In summary, data encryption is essential for safeguarding digital information in today’s interconnected world. By converting readable data into an encoded format, encryption ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information, thus playing a crucial role in data protection and security.

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