Definition:
The encryption or file encryption is what is known as the process of taking certain meaningful information and encoding it in such a way that it cannot be intercepted while on the web.
What is encryption for?
The main purpose of encryption is to safeguard critical and confidential information. This includes data such as bank account numbers, passwords, personal information, and registration data. Encrypting this data ensures its security and privacy, protecting it from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.
Types of encryption
There are several types of encryption, each with its own characteristics and uses:
- Symmetric encryption: Uses a single key to encrypt and decrypt information. Both the sender and receiver must know this key, which makes secure key exchange crucial.
- Asymmetric encryption: It uses a pair of keys, one public and one private. The public key is accessible to any sender or receiver, while the private key is kept secret by the owner. This method allows secure communication without the need to share a secret key.
- Hybrid encryption: Combines elements of symmetric and asymmetric encryption to take advantage of both. Generally, asymmetric encryption is used to exchange a symmetric key, which is then used to encrypt the data.
Benefits of encryption
Encryption offers multiple benefits, among which the following stand out:
- Confidentiality: Ensures that only authorized persons can access sensitive information.
- Integrity: Protects data from unauthorized modification during transmission.
- Authenticity: Verifies the identity of the parties involved in the communication, ensuring that the data comes from a reliable source.
Encryption applications
Encryption is used in a wide variety of applications, such as:
- Online banking: Protects financial information during electronic transactions.
- Secure communication: Ensures the privacy of e-mails and instant messages.
- Data storage: Protects data stored in the cloud or on local devices against unauthorized access.
Blockchain and encryption
The blockchain blockchain technology technology uses cryptographic techniques to guarantee the security and integrity of the data stored in its block structure. Each block contains a set of encrypted transactions and is linked to the previous block by a cryptographic hash, ensuring that the data cannot be altered without affecting the entire chain. This feature makes blockchain ideal for applications that require high security, such as cryptocurrencies, smart contracts and property registries.
Main encryption tools
There are several encryption tools that help protect sensitive information. Some of the most widely used include:
- VeraCrypt: An open source tool that allows the creation of encrypted volumes, providing robust protection for stored data.
- BitLocker: Integrated into Windows operating systems, BitLocker encrypts entire disks to protect the data stored on them.
- GnuPG (GPG): Used to encrypt and sign data and communications, GnuPG is an open source tool that implements the OpenPGP standard.
- AxCrypt: An easy-to-use file encryption tool designed for individual users and small businesses.
- 7-Zip: In addition to being a popular file compressor, 7-Zip offers the option to encrypt files and folders using the AES-256 algorithm.
- NordLocker: Provides file encryption and secure cloud storage, with an easy-to-use interface.
- Cryptomator: Provides secure encryption for files stored in the cloud, ensuring that only the user can access them.
- FileVault: An encryption tool built into macOS that encrypts the entire hard drive to protect user data.
- Secure IT: Offers file and folder encryption, as well as the option to securely shred files to prevent their recovery.
- DiskCryptor: Allows the encryption of entire disks and partitions, offering an open source alternative to BitLocker.