Data Encryption: The First Line of Defense

Encryption is one of the most effective methods of securing sensitive information from unauthorized access. It works by converting data into an unreadable format that can only be deciphered using a decryption key. Even if hackers intercept encrypted data, they cannot access it without the correct key.

Types of Encryption:

Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same key for both encryption and decryption (e.g., AES – Advanced Encryption Standard).

Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption (e.g., RSA – Rivest-Shamir-Adleman).

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Ensures data remains encrypted during transmission, commonly used in messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal.

Encryption is essential for protecting sensitive files, financial transactions, and communication channels. Organizations must ensure proper key management to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.