

A public key encrypts the data while a private key decrypts it. Asymmetric encryptionĪsymmetric encryption, on the other hand, uses two distinct but mathematically linked keys. The main drawback of symmetric encryption is anyone who stumbles on the key can decrypt the data even when the information isn’t intended for them. Symmetric algorithms often find application in the encryption of bulk data since they are processed quicker and are easier to implement via an encryption hardware appliance. With symmetric encryption, the decryption and encryption keys are identical. There are two types of encryption–symmetric and asymmetric. That way, the information remains unusable if the laptop is lost or stolen.


If you use a company laptop, chances are that the data is encrypted by BitLocker, TrueCrypt, or similar encryption software. Encryption keeps power grids and communication networks secure. Not-for-profit organizations can protect their work from hostile governments when working in repressive countries. It’s encryption that keeps your phone conversations and messages beyond the reach of eavesdroppers.Įncryption helps protect the identity of dissidents by allowing journalists to securely communicate with sensitive news sources. Encryption protects your login credentials and financial records when you sign in to an online banking portal. Thanks to the proliferation of information technology, encryption is all around us even though we often don’t realize it or pay attention to it. Only a corresponding decryption key can decode the ciphertext into readable information. An encryption key uses an algorithm to encode readable data into indecipherable text or ciphertext. The process of encrypting data is relatively straightforward. What is encryption?Įncryption refers to the encoding of data to make it inaccessible or hidden to unauthorized persons. Nevertheless, of all the tools at an organization’s disposal, mission-critical encryption is the most effective at keeping mission-critical data secure and out of the reach of hackers. There are plenty of IT security processes, procedures, and technologies that one could use to protect mission-critical technology and data. Keeping mission-critical systems running and secure is therefore crucial as the enterprise’s very survival depends on it. Its failure, corruption, or breach could lead to transaction delays and thousands of angry, frustrated customers.

For instance, the core banking system is a mission-critical component of any bank’s operations. Mission-critical technology refers to any system whose failure could greatly disrupt or completely cripple business operations. Every business today relies on some technology that can be classified as mission-critical.
