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Enterprise Security Magazine | Tuesday, March 02, 2021
As data breaches continue to make headlines, more businesses rely on encryption solutions to safeguard their essential assets, both at rest and in transit.
FREMONT, CA: Data encryption is the method of changing it to a different format or coding to restrict access to it to those who hold the relevant decryption key (or password). Encrypted data, also referred to as ciphertext, is one of the most prevalent and widely utilized data protection methods. If a data breach occurs that includes ciphertext, the attackers will not read the data. The following are some straightforward reasons why a firm may benefit from implementing a suite of encryption technologies:
Encryption is a low-cost technology to implement: Encryption is built into nearly every device and operating system on the market today. For instance, Microsoft Windows includes a BitLocker tool that encrypts entire hard disc partitions.
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Additionally, iPhones and Android phones provide various encryption options, and there are numerous free encryption tools available. This includes a password manager like LastPass, a browser plugin like HTTPS Everywhere, and a virtual private network (VPN) like TunnelBear with a monthly bandwidth limit of 500mb, all of which are free to use.
Encryption May Help Enterprises Avoid Regulatory Penalties: Although there are no clear requirements for encryption under rules such as the GDPR, "security measures and safeguards" must be used to protect the privacy of data subjects—provided they are EU nationals. Certain data protection laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), demand the encryption of confidential data. As such, if a portable device or external hard drive holding unencrypted ePHI is lost or stolen, the entity responsible for the data may face fines.
Encryption Strengthens the Data's Integrity: While encryption cannot guarantee the integrity of the data at rest, it can be used to validate the integrity of our backups. Additionally, businesses may ensure the integrity of their data during transit by utilizing digital signatures. This prevents hackers from intercepting conversations and altering data, as the recipient can easily detect such actions.
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