One of the most effective methods to maintain the confidentiality of your sensitive information is through data encryption. As businesses increasingly rely on transmitting and accessing data over the internet, the importance of encrypting critical information in transit and at rest cannot be overstated. Let’s explore what data encryption really means, why it matters, and how to safeguard your data with the right encryption.

Understanding Data Encryption

The purpose of data encryption is to maintain the confidentiality of your data. This is necessary for storage devices and computer systems. You also need encryption for data being transmitted through public or private networks. If your data is well encrypted, any cybercriminal who manages to get past your IT security and steal your data won’t be able to decipher it, rendering their loot useless. 

With ever-increasing transmission of and access to data over the open internet, it’s more important than ever to ensure critical business data is encrypted in transit and while at rest. There are types of data encryption software that can be implemented to secure your company’s data:

• Database encryption. Converts plain text into a partially encrypted database that is only readable by authorized users with an encryption key

• Email encryption. Protects the privacy of data sent through an email by encrypting the data so that it cannot be understood without a special key

• Symmetric encryption. Also known as private-key cryptography or secret key algorithm, this method requires both the sender and receiver to have access to the same key to decrypt the data

• Asymmetric encryption. Also known as public key encryption, public key cryptography, and asymmetric key encryption, this method uses two separate yet mathematically related keys to encrypt and decrypt data

• Triple DES (3DES). An improved version of the Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm, 3DES uses a three-fold encryption scheme

• Network-level encryption. Encrypts the network transfer layer of data, which helps facilitate private communication over IP networks 

Why Data Encryption Is Essential for Your Business

• Data Privacy. Encryption ensures that only authorized personnel can access and comprehend the data or communications within a given system.

• Non-repudiation. It becomes challenging to deny the authenticity and integrity of a message when it's encrypted.

• Data Security. Whether data is in motion, at rest, or stored, encryption acts as a barrier against potential data breaches.

• Data Authentication. Through methods like public-key encryption, the original source of a message can be verified, establishing the legitimacy of the sender.

• Data Integrity. Encryption safeguards against tampering during transmission, maintaining the integrity of the data.

• Data Regulations. Many industry and government standards mandate data encryption to protect every customer's private information, ensuring compliance with regulations like PCI and HIPAA.

Challenges and Solutions in Data Encryption

The technical nature of data encryption is not without its challenges. As mentioned by some of the Forbes Advisory Council members, most businesses know it’s necessary to encrypt every sensitive database. Unfortunately, many fail to maintain that security when data is being read or transferred. These overlooked risks pose a real danger to your IT security.

Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics to circumvent security measures. Brute force attacks, cryptanalysis, and side-channel attacks are among the strategies used to breach encryptions. To combat these threats, businesses can employ various encryption software programs tailored to their specific needs:

• Full Disk Encryption. Solutions like Microsoft BitLocker and IBM Guardium encrypt entire volumes, securing data at rest in devices like computers and phones.

• Encrypted File Sharing. Tools such as Citrix ShareFile and AxCrypt protect files in transit between systems or devices, ensuring confidentiality during transmission.

• Email Encryption. Platforms like Proofpoint and Avanan Cloud Email Security automatically encrypt email messages and attachments, simplifying the encryption process without disrupting user experience.

Encryption is only one part of your IT security

While encryption plays a vital role in bolstering your organization's security, it's only one piece of a complete IT security plan. Establishing robust rules, policies, and protocols for data handling across various scenarios is equally crucial. Your business should have rules, policies, and protocols in place for handling critical data in a variety of situations, whether your employees are on-premise, working from home, or are fully remote but not locked to a location. 

At Commprise, we understand the complexities of IT security. That's why we offer Managed IT Security Services tailored to your business's unique requirements.

Our services include 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, and prompt remediation to mitigate risks effectively. With next-gen endpoint security and advanced email protection, we ensure comprehensive defense against malware and phishing attacks. You can count on us to safeguard your business and maintain regulatory compliance. 

Strengthening Your IT Security

Data encryption stands as a cornerstone of modern business security, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensitive information. As cyber threats evolve, encryption becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding against potential data breaches and maintaining regulatory compliance. However, encryption alone is not sufficient. A comprehensive IT security strategy, including robust policies, protocols, and ongoing monitoring, is essential for mitigating risks effectively. Secure your business with a service that covers so much more than data encryption. and fortify your defenses against cyber threats. Reach out today and get started with Managed IT Security from Commprise.