What is Encryption in Computer Software?
Every modern computer comes with tools for encrypting data to make it inaccessible to anyone without a key. What is encryption and how does it function? This article will explain how encryption protects sensitive information from hackers.
Data encryption is the process of converting readable information into coded text which can only deciphered with the authentic passwords of authorized users. It is an essential element of cyber security that ensures the privacy of data and keeps confidential information from the fingers of users who are not authorized.
An encryption method that is commonly used uses cryptographic mathematical models to turn the original information into a garbled collection of characters that isn’t easily read (known as ciphertext). The encryption algorithm “scrambles” individual bits randomly in order to require a huge amount of computing power to find the key and then convert it back to plaintext.
If you are using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), the most common encryption method, for your digital files, then each of the ones and zeros in the file are scrambled 10 times in a semi-random pattern. Without the right key to read it, a computer would have to run for an extremely long time to rearrange them all to the correct order.
Also, encryption is employed to prevent data leaks and ransomware. If a hacker steals encrypted data, they will be unable to access it and will be unable to blackmail the company or any other individuals who are involved in the risk of releasing the stolen information to the dark web. Furthermore, encryption protects backup systems from hackers since they aren’t able to access the data in its original form.
