Encryption is a cornerstone of cybersecurity, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity during transmission and storage:
How Encryption Works:
- Converts plaintext into ciphertext using mathematical algorithms and keys.
- Only authorized parties with the correct decryption key can access the original data.
Types of Encryption:
Symmetric Encryption: Uses the same key for encryption and decryption.
Examples: AES, DES.
Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys (public and private).
Examples: RSA, ECC.
Encryption in Action:
Data at Rest: Encrypting stored data to prevent unauthorized access, such as disk encryption using BitLocker.
Data in Transit: Protecting data moving across networks using protocols like HTTPS and VPNs.
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Ensures that only the communicating parties can read messages, commonly used in messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Challenges and Limitations:
- Encryption requires proper key management to prevent unauthorized access.
- Some advanced cyberattacks target encryption implementations to exploit weaknesses.
By understanding encryption, learners can appreciate its critical role in ensuring secure communication and protecting sensitive data from interception and theft.