It is possible to encrypt specific files, folders, or volumes as well as whole disks inside a computer in addition to USB flash drives, as well as cloud-based files. The concept of encryption is difficult to comprehend, yet it’s an essential part of safeguarding your business’s sensitive information. On fundamental level encryption, is the process of making text messy to make it unreadable for anyone who is not permissible to read it?
Why is encryption so important?
The goal of encryption for disks and files is to safeguard data on the computer or network storage system. Every organization, that gathers personal identification data like birth dates, Social Security numbers, and financial information should secure the information. A business is liable for legal action in the event that a computer with PII is stolen, and the information is released or distributed. persona
If your laptop is stolen or lost or stolen and the data or disks haven’t been secured an intruder can easily take the data therefore it’s a great option to secure your sensitive information, but not the whole hard disk. The person who steals the data doesn’t have to know the password for signing on for accessing the files. It is simple to boot up an operating system from the USB thumb drive and access the disks in the computer.
Disk encryption doesn’t protect a computer entirely. An attacker can still gain access to the computer via an insecure Internet connection. Alternatively, an individual may click on a malicious hyperlink within an email, and infect the computer malware that steals passwords and usernames. These types of attacks require extra security measures that include anti-malware programs as well as firewalls, awareness training, and awareness. However, encryption of computer files or even the entire disk significantly decreases the chance that data is stolen.
Encryption 101 what is it and how is it working?
In making choices regarding encryption, it’s essential to be aware of how encryption works. It is a type of cryptography that uses algorithms to encrypt messages making only those who have the sender’s encryption or key to decode the message.
The widest method in the use of secure encryption that is symmetric can explain as AES that constitutes an official U.S. security standard that is in use by the government. Hexadecimal data is messy many times and is encrypted using 128-bit, keys of 192-bit, or 256 bits to unlock, with the one with the highest strength being the strongest. Keys can be substituted for passwords we make and make the password the only method of decrypting the data. This method is ideal to secure drives and files. The most vulnerable part lies in the password which hackers can breach if the password is weak. They’re unlikely to force to gain access to the information through encryption. Remember that, although 128 bit AES is a very secure encryption key, many government regulations require 256-bit AES to be in compliance with certain standards.
Asymmetric encryption is in use for sending secure messages and other data between two persons. In messaging services, like most email providers each user has both a public and private key. The public key functions as an address type and a method for the sender to secure their message. The message is encrypted using the sender’s private key. The recipient can then make use of the sender’s public key to confirm the message’s sender and decrypt the message using their private key. Anyone who tries to intercept the message won’t be able to access its contents without the private key of the receiver. event.ft
Computer encryption types
Individual encryption of folders and files does exactly what it says it encrypts only those items you specify it to. This option is suitable when only a small amount of business documents are safe on the computer. And it’s better than not having encryption whatsoever.
Another option is volume encryption which creates a container that is fully cipher. The files and folders that are created or saved to that container are secured.
Full-disk, also known as whole-disk encryption is the most comprehensive type of encryption for computers. It is transparent to the user and doesn’t require them to save their files to a specific space on the disk. All folders, files, and volumes are safe.
If you want to use full-disk encryption you need to enter an encryption password. Or let the computer access the encryption keys from a USB device before you turn to your PC. This action unlocks the file to allow you to use them as normal.
Built-in encryption programs
Secure encryption is built-in to new versions of Windows and OS X operating systems. Also available on a few Linux distributions too.
Microsoft BitLocker is a disk encryption tool that comes with Windows 7, Windows 10. It’s made to use a trustworthy Platform Modulator chip on your computer. Which is in use to store the key to your disk encryption. It’s possible to activate BitLocker regardless of the chips. However, some settings have to be set within the operating system which requires administrator privileges.
To turn on BitLocker start by opening Windows Explorer or File Explorer and click on Drive C. If your version of Windows supports BitLocker it will show the “Turn on BitLocker” option that you can click to turn on the software.
If you turn on BitLocker, Microsoft prompts you to save a copy of the recovery keys. This is a crucial step since you’ll need this key in order to open your file. Without this key, either you or anyone another person can access your information. The key can be print out and save the file to your Microsoft account or in a file. BitLocker allows you to need a PIN on startup.
Apple File Vault provides encryption for PCs that run Mac OS X. When you enable encryption File Vault will prompt you to keep the recovery key within the account of your iCloud account, however, you may choose to record it instead.
For Linux, it is common to encrypt the disk prior to installing the operating system by using a program like dam-crypt. However, third-party software is also available to encrypt the disk post-installation.
Third-party encryption software
True Crypt was an extremely well-known open-source disk encryption software, however; its creators have stopped supporting it in the year 2014. Security experts remain divided over whether the software is suitable for use. To ensure you’re on the safe side, choose an item that is frequently tested and upgraded. There are several open-source applications that are highly considered:
- Vera Crypt is a free program that is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. It often receives the top scores from both third-party and user testers.
- Ax Crypt is easy-to-use encryption software that comes with both the option of free and premium versions. It includes the ability to manage passwords and collaboration features to share encrypted data with other people.
- Gpg4win utilizes military-grade security to digitally sign and encrypt email and files.
Many antivirus vendors like Symantec, Kaspersky, Sophos, and ESET have encryption included in their security suites. They also sell it as a separate product.
In addition, secure USB drives are essential. When you transfer files from a disk that is encrypted to a USB drive, those data are mechanically decrypted. It’s key to teach employees that once they send a file via email or copy it to a USB thumb drive, that data is no longer safe by that encryption.
To ensure that the files on the USB device are protected you can use software like Microsoft BitLocker to go or open-source software. Alternatively, you can buy USB drives with encryption, like Iron Key, SanDisk, and Kangaroo.
Best practices for computer encryption
Before you enable encryption on your PC, back up your data and make an image backup that is a duplicate of the data on your disk. Also, ensure you have the installation media as well as an emergency boot drive using removable media.
Moving forward, backup your system regularly. If you’ve got a current backup, you should get up and running quickly.
Keep a note of your passcode and the encryption key in a secure place in the case, you forget the two. If you activate full-disk encryption but forgot your passcode you will not be able to access your computer. Neither any other person, including IT staff or even the data recovery service Synergist, explained.
If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure you use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) that is a type of encryption to protect wireless connections. Avoid using WEP, which is a form of Wired Equal Privacy (WEP) that isn’t secure in any way.
Also, you can make use of a virtual private network for access to the network at work via a laptop or mobile device while working remotely. A VPN creates a secure channel through the internet, which encrypts the data you send and receive during the session.
Keep in mind that computer encryption is only one component of a comprehensive security plan for safeguarding computers. It’s a must-have security feature for companies that handle sensitive data and must be installed on every device that might fall into the unintentional hands of someone else. Go through our small-business cybersecurity guide for more information and suggestions.
