Not yet registered? Create a OverBlog!

Create my blog

The importance of encryption

With the exponential increase in computer technology and information available online over the past twenty years, data encryption now plays a vital part in protecting what you transmit online from hackers, cyber-thieves and even rouge employees!

What is encryption?

Encryption is the term given to the process used to protect data by transforming what is known as 'plain-text' information such as your password in clear letters, into 'cipher-text', which cannot easily be transformed - or 'decrypted' - back into the 'plain-text' information without the use of the encryption 'key' that was used to encrypt the data.

Wireless Encryption

Security
There are a number of very well known uses for encryption, but one of the most prevalent uses in the modern world is wireless WPA/WEP security - which is used to encrypt the data transmitted across your wireless network with a WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) pass-phrase, depending on which encryption protocol is in use. This ensures that it is impossible for a potential intruder to 'sniff' or monitor your network usage without also knowing the WPA/WEP pass-phrase. Wireless encryption is, by default, built into all modern routers and should be enabled as it greatly increases the security of your data both being transmitted from your computer and also the data stored on your computer itself - by increasing the difficulty to gain access into your wireless network.

'One-Way Encryption'

Unlike WEP encryption, one-way encryption (or 'hashing') is the term given to describe several encryption methods which render direct 'decryption' of the data impossible, as it is only possible to convert data from plain-text to cipher-text, and not the other way around. These encryption formats (such as MD5, SHA, etc) are often used in order to enhance database encryption, as they mean that even if the database is compromised by a hacker or rogue employee, they cannot directly see the plain-text version of your password/data even if they possess knowledge of the encryption routine. However, if you provide a password, this can still be checked against your stored 'hash' password value, by passing the plain-text password your provide through the one-way hash process, and checking if the two hash values match.

Disk Encryption

As well as encrypting streaming data or single pieces of information - various encryption programs also exist which have the capability to utilise a variety of encryption techniques in order to encrypt or decrypt larger quantities of data reliably. USB encryption software for instance, can prevent your data being compromised even if you lose your USB stick or if it is stolen. The data is required to be decrypted using your encryption 'key' in order to convert it back into plain-text format.

Same category articles Computers

How to increase virtual memory on my laptop computer?

How to increase virtual memory on my laptop computer?

If you are receiving warning messages on your laptop that your virtual memory is low, you can increase the size of the paging file. you should increase the minimum and maximum sizes if you are receiving warning messages that your virtual memory is low on your laptop. fortunately, this is very easy to do in windows 7 and only takes a few minutes.
How to select the best broadband package

How to select the best broadband package

Choosing the right broadband package to suit your needs can be a nightmare for some people. with so many different options on offer, it can cause headaches. however, by following a few simple guidelines, it won't be the case. the article provides guidelines on how to select the best broadband package.
How to perform a Verizon speed test

How to perform a verizon speed test

If you are wondering about your dsl speeds, you can get a free online bandwidth test, including a dsl speed test report, from verizon. you do not need to be a verizon customer to use the verizon speed test, and you can do a high-speed internet test without having to register or enter personal information about your computer or your address.
How to monitor network traffic

How to monitor network traffic

You can use a tool which is provided by microsoft to monitor traffic on your network. you can download this tool, network monitor, from microsoft’s website. this tool provides you with statistics in regard to your network, such as the source and destination address for packets, protocols in sending transmissions, and data contained in packets. this tool is free and is ready for immediate download.