No one would have imagined a few years ago that cybercrime would become such a big concern as it is today. Billions of attacks are launched against individual devices and entire company networks each passing day with many of them leading to data breaches. Data encryption is touted as one of the best defenses against data breaches today but what exactly is it and why should you care?

What is data encryption?

In its simplest form, data encryption refers to the encoding of information or data into a form that is only accessible by a person with a special code. Encryption has been used for many years in various forms including rudimentary encryption technologies such as the Enigma machines used in WWII. Back then data encryption involved the scrambling of letters of the alphabet so that unauthorized parties could not decipher the hidden messages.

Modern data encryption involves a lot more than just letter scrambling. Using modern encryption algorithms and immense compute power available on modern computer systems, large files can be encoded in complex ways that are impossible to decode without the private keys available to authorized parties.

At the device level, you can think of data encryption as a way to disguise or lock your data so that intruders or unauthorized parties cannot use it even if they have access to it. For instance, you can encrypt a file before emailing it to a colleague so that it cannot be read by hackers that may have gained access to your network.

Why encryption is so important nowadays

In recent years, data encryption has become a necessity for people who use modern devices to store their data and communicate. This was quite different a decade or so ago where encryption was mainly used in critical systems used by the military, large organizations, and governments.

With increasing threats in cyberspace, it has now become necessary for individuals and organizations to utilize data encryption to protect their data. Your data can be safe through encryption from threats such as:

Ransomware and malware

Ransomware refers to foreign programs that get into your device and lock your files through encryption. You can only regain access to these files by paying large sums of money to the cybercriminals who installed the ransomware on your device. By having your files encrypted in the first place, these programs cannot access and lock them.

Malware is similar to ransomware but differs in the way it is designed to attack your device and files. Instead of locking your files and demanding a ransom, malware will either steal sensitive files on your devices or destroy them. You can stop malware in its tracks by encrypting your files and communications.

Device and network hackers

It has become easy, through new hacking technologies, for cybercriminals to launch attacks against secure company networks and internet devices using readily available tools. While you can do a lot to prevent them from accessing your network or devices, encrypting your files and communications can stop them from reading, locking, or stealing your data such as banking details and passwords. This is especially important if you use public WIFI hotspots frequently.

Ways to encrypt your data

There are several tried and tested ways you can encrypt your data and keep it safe. Here are some of them:     

Use a VPN to encrypt internet traffic 

One of the ways hackers can gain access to your files is by hijacking your internet traffic especially if you are using a weak WiFi network in public places such as cafes. VPNs are the only sure way to encrypt your traffic while surfing the web or communicating. By using a VPN to browse the web, any data that leaves your device or is received over the internet will be encrypted and only available to you. The VPN service will do the data encryption automatically.

Enable native device encryption

Most mobile devices using the two popular operating systems -Android and iOS- have native data encryption. Make sure you enable device data encryption on your mobile device while you are setting it up for the first time or later through the setting menu. Some computer operating systems such as Linux also have native disk encryption that you can enable to secure local files.

Use third party encryptions tools

You can use third-party data encryption tools such as AxCrypt to encrypt your local files on computers and mobile devices in addition to the VPN. Some organizations also have custom encryption software to secure local files on company devices and networks.

All in all, a properly secured device or network must utilize data encryption. Encryption is usually the first and last line of defense against hackers. If they hijack your files on the internet, they will not be able to use them. At the same time, those who manage to breach your device and gain access to your data will find that it is encrypted and secured.