Encryption and Why Everyone Should Use It

Written by Matias Keib

Encryption, often portrayed in the realms of espionage and sci-fi, has long been an indispensable tool in the arsenal of security agencies, governments, and military organizations worldwide. Far from being a contemporary invention, its roots trace back to ancient times. The Spartans utilized encryption for secure message transmission in battles, while around 60 B.C., Julius Caesar devised a cipher that shifted letters forward in the alphabet for confidential communication. Later, Giovan Battista Bellaso revolutionized encryption by introducing the concept of an encryption key, making a message decipherable only to the holder of the key.

In the modern era, encryption serves as a vital guardian of both individual and corporate data. You’ve likely encountered app notifications touting “end-to-end encryption,” a feature present in platforms like WhatsApp, or stumbled upon email services such as Tutanota and Protonmail (The one I use) that prioritize encrypted communication. These services fortify your digital interactions with an additional security layer, effectively nullifying cybercriminal efforts to eavesdrop on or compromise sensitive information.

Understanding How Encryption Works

Before we dive into the modern implications of encryption, let’s take a moment to understand its mechanics. At its core, encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. There are two primary types of encryptions: symmetric and asymmetric.

Symmetric Encryption: This is the simpler form, where the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt information. Imagine it as a locked box where a single key can lock and unlock it. This method is fast and efficient but has the challenge of safely sharing the key with intended recipients.

Asymmetric Encryption (or Public Key Cryptography): This is a bit more complex but highly secure. It involves two keys: a public key, which anyone can use to encrypt a message, and a private key, which is kept secret by the owner and is used to decrypt the message. Think of it as having a public mailbox with a mail slot (public key) where anyone can drop a message, but only the owner has the key to open it (private key).

Data encrypted using these methods is nearly impossible to decipher without the correct key. When you send an encrypted message over the internet, it travels as scrambled, incomprehensible data until it reaches the intended recipient, who can decrypt it with the right key. This process is what makes encryption such a powerful tool for maintaining privacy and security in our digital world.

This is how your encrypted data would look like without the decryption key. In this case it is a KeePass database:

Encryption not only protects data in transit, like emails or messages but also data at rest, like files stored on a computer or a server.

Encryption for the average user

Even if you’re not deeply entrenched in IT security or use your computer for routine tasks and work, encryption should not be a foreign concept. The general awareness and importance of end-to-end encryption surged in the wake of high-profile cases involving unauthorized user data collection. The subsequent use, or misuse, of this data is a topic worthy of separate discussion.

In today’s digital environment, the reality is stark: your shared information could potentially be weaponized in phishing schemes by attackers preying on limited IT security awareness. Even within your work environment, the risk of a disgruntled colleague attempting to sabotage or plagiarize your work is not far-fetched, a scenario I’ve witnessed firsthand during security audits.

 Some Tools to Consider

Why leave your sensitive data vulnerable? Password-protecting your computer is a basic step, but it’s not sufficient against cybercriminals or anyone with physical access to your storage devices. The real shield? Encryption. For Windows users, BitLocker offers robust protection, while Mac enthusiasts can rely on File Vault (currently in its second iteration). Linux advocates aren’t left out, with LUKS providing a comparable level of security. Should your computer fall into the wrong hands, you can breathe easier knowing your data remains inaccessible.

Consider this: even seemingly innocuous items like family vacation photos on thumb drives or SD cards carry more information than meets the eye. For instance, I avoid uploading videos featuring my children online for safety reasons. But imagine if someone got access to such a video. Using advanced AI tools, they could potentially fabricate scenarios, like a fake kidnapping message using voice clones, to exploit your emotions and catch you off-guard. By simply encrypting your removable media with a strong password, you shield yourself and your loved ones from such distressing situations.

Following: BitLocker prompting the user for a password to access an USB drive:

Encryption for IT Professionals

As IT professionals, be it Sys Admins or developers, our role in implementing and managing encryption is paramount. Encryption isn’t just an added feature; it’s a foundational element of our security strategies. In our increasingly digital world, overlooking encryption can be the Achilles’ heel in an otherwise robust security system.

We often face challenges like performance concerns or resistance from users when implementing encryption. It’s essential to balance security needs with usability. For instance, using efficient encryption algorithms can mitigate performance issues. Educating users about the importance of encryption can also help in reducing resistance, ensuring they understand the role it plays in safeguarding their data.

Effective Policy Management

In any organization, especially larger ones, setting clear policies for data handling and encryption is crucial. These policies provide a framework for secure data management and ensure compliance with various regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. They also streamline security processes, making it easier to maintain consistent security standards across the organization.

Practical Encryption Applications

In different IT scenarios, the application of encryption varies. In cloud environments, encryption ensures data security both at rest and in transit. For internal communication channels, encrypted messaging and email services protect against interception and unauthorized access. Encrypting file systems is also vital in safeguarding data stored on company servers and devices.

A Special Note to Developers

When developing applications, consider encryption from the ground up. Adopting ‘security by design’ principles is crucial. Ensure that databases, particularly those storing personal identifiable information (PII), are encrypted. This is not just best practice; it’s a necessity in today’s data-driven world. Encrypting data at rest and in transit protects against unauthorized access and ensures compliance with stringent privacy laws.

The landscape of encryption is constantly evolving. Technologies like blockchain and quantum computing are reshaping the future of encryption. Staying updated with these developments is essential for any IT professional. They not only represent future challenges but also opportunities for enhancing our encryption strategies.

As IT professionals, we must prioritize encryption in our daily operations and development processes. It’s our responsibility to ensure the security and integrity of the data we’re entrusted with. Let’s make encryption an integral part of our professional ethos and continue to evolve our skills in this critical area.

Real-Life Consequences of Unencrypted Data

I briefly mentioned some consequences of not safeguarding your data with encryption, but since I like to provide detailed information, here´s a list you can keep close that will help remind you to encrypt your files, drives and databases:

• Personal Data Theft

  • Imagine a scenario where you use an unencrypted messaging app.  An eavesdropper on the same public Wi-Fi network could easily intercept your messages, gaining access to personal conversations, sensitive photos, or financial information.  Such data breaches have led to identity theft, financial fraud, and personal privacy violations.

• Corporate Data Breaches

  • In 2017, a massive data breach at Equifax exposed the personal information of 147 million people. The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in a web application, but the impact could have been mitigated if the data had been encrypted. This incident highlights how unencrypted data can lead to severe legal, financial, and reputational damage for companies.  It is worth sharing the fact I got spear-phished because of that breach. That phishing attack was well crafted and tailored to the likes of me. If it hadn’t been for my It Security knowledge, I would have easily fallen for it.

• Healthcare Privacy Violations

  • Unencrypted data in healthcare can have dire consequences. For instance, if a hospital’s unencrypted database gets hacked, sensitive patient information, including medical histories and treatment plans, can be exposed. This not only breaches patient confidentiality but also violates HIPAA regulations, leading to hefty fines and loss of public trust.  Remember: Trust is the one thing companies cannot buy with money but earn over the years. Not worth losing it to a faulty or missing configuration or security tool.

• Ransomware Attacks

  • Ransomware attacks, like the WannaCry attack in 2017, often target unencrypted files. In this attack, hackers encrypted the victims’ data and demanded a ransom for the decryption key. Hospitals, businesses, and individuals lost access to crucial data due to a lack of robust encryption practices.

• Phishing Scams

  • Unencrypted emails are a common target for phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can intercept these emails and use the contained information to craft convincing phishing emails, leading to further data breaches and financial losses.

These examples underscore the critical need for encryption in protecting personal and corporate data. Unencrypted data is like an open book to cybercriminals, leaving individuals and organizations vulnerable to a range of cyber threats. Implementing encryption then becomes a necessary procedure when it comes to hardening either a personal or a company security posture.

 Conclusion: Securing Your Digital World with Professional Encryption Services

In conclusion, the stories and examples we’ve discussed paint a clear picture: encryption is not just a technicality, it’s a necessity in today’s digital age. Whether it’s for personal data protection or corporate security, the role of encryption in safeguarding sensitive information cannot be overstated. From thwarting cybercriminals to complying with legal requirements, encryption stands as a critical line of defense.

However, understanding and implementing encryption can be challenging, especially for businesses juggling multiple priorities. This is where professional expertise becomes invaluable. For companies looking to strengthen their digital security without the complexities of managing encryption themselves, partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a strategic move.

CIO Landing specializes in making the implementation of encryption seamless and efficient. Our team of professionals is equipped with the knowledge and tools to ensure that your data is encrypted, secure, and compliant with industry standards. We understand the nuances of encryption and are committed to tailoring solutions that fit your unique business needs.

Don’t let the intricacies of encryption be an obstacle in your journey to digital security. Let CIO Landing take the helm. By choosing us, you’re not just securing your data; you’re investing in peace of mind.

Take the first step towards comprehensive digital protection. Schedule a call with CIO Landing today, and let’s embark on a journey to secure your company’s digital assets in the most efficient and secure manner possible.

Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, being proactive is always better than being reactive. Let CIO Landing secure your digital future now!