File Encryption
By Paul Rummery, Securenet Consulting
Worried about sensitive data, files being stolen, falling into the wrong hands or seen by a third party...then we answer the question 'what is file encryption'.
File encryption is achieved through the use of encryption software which executes an algorithm that is designed to encrypt computer data into a secret code, so that it cannot be recovered without access by a key.
File encryption is often referred to as file / folder encryption – a process by which individual files are encrypted, in contrast to full disk encryption where the entire partition or disk is encrypted.
To read an encrypted file, you must have access to the secret key or password that enables you to decrypt the file.
Encryption is one of the most effective ways to achieve data security. This is particularly important for sensitive data like credit card numbers, personal or company confidential information - making it one of the top five most in-demand security technologies.
Historically, standard specification computers, applications, data storage and sharing systems do not provide encryption capabilities built-in – leaving companies or people prone to security breaches.
Ensure data privacy by encrypting data stored on your devices - especially laptops, and USB drives or files shared within your network, across the internet or a cloud base network.
Stand alone software exists for encrypting personal devices, sending emails, attachments or pier to pier file sharing.
The same can be achieved within enterprise / business environments, through implementation of centralised management based systems, which are used to manage the policy enforcement, encryption and decryption of data within an inter company / distributed network (based on a global registry of keys, such as LDAP).
These systems are commonly adopted by government or banks to enforce a data security policy of encrypting sensitive data automatically, rather than relying on the users to remember to encrypt the file before sending. However encryption solutions like this should be considered all companies with a responsibility to protect data – sensitive or not.
Encryption solutions help organisations comply with regulations, protect privacy and confidentiality.
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