Encryption is the key component of any secure messaging system, the barrier to entry that prevents or deters unauthorized users from access to your computer system. How encryption is implemented can make the difference between a basically secure system and one that is ultra-secure.
Encryption Defined
Encryption is the process by which an algorithm is deployed to encode or scramble information from its original plain text format and convert it to a coded format called ciphertext. This process makes the data unreadable by unauthorized users. When the encrypted message arrives at its destination, the system provides a key which unscrambles the message – known as decryption – and converts it back into a readable format for the message recipient.
Types of Encryption
Early forms of encryption were used in military messaging, but encryption methods are now common among systems in use today. There are two main types: Symmetric Encryption and Asymmetric Encryption. To simplify these processes:
Symmetric encryption encodes data by using a single password for both encryption and decryption.
The more secure asymmetric encryption uses two keys for encryption and decryption. A public key encrypts the data and is shared by the users; a private key decrypts the data and is not shared by users. Only an authorized recipient with the correct private key can read the transmitted data.
Common methods of asymmetric encryption include:
RSA, which was named after Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman, the three computer scientists who created it, uses a combination of public key encryption and private key decryption to transmit data securely.
PKI, or Public Key Infrastructure, governs use of encryption keys through issuing and managing digital certificates.
How Encryption Secures Your Data
Valid, protected websites use an encryption process known as SSL – Secure Socket Layer – which governs transmission of data sent to and from a website. SSL protects the data from vulnerability to cybercriminal intrusion during the transmission process.
Why You Should Care About Encryption
The most important reason for encryption use is the protection of your data transactions, whether you’re sending personal messages via email or transmitting proprietary or sensitive information to an authorized recipient. Encryption provides the peace of mind of knowing that your data integrity is protected at the best available level whether your transmission is in motion, or your data is at rest. Implementation of a system with encryption can also help to ensure you are operating within any organizational regulatory compliance protocols you may have that govern when, where, and how data can be safely transmitted.
Gold Comet Solutions Provide Patented Object Level Encryption
Gold Comet’s patented 256-bit Object Level Encryption solutions incorporate a unique combination of RSA and PKI methodology to provide ultra-level protection for your data whether in motion or at rest. Each piece of data stored, shared, or sent via messaging, receives its own unique encryption key. This means that even in the unlikely scenario that an encryption key is broken, only that one file would be affected. All other data in your account would remain intact. Gold Comet is integrating quantum technology to make our process even more secure. Contact us today to learn more about how Gold Comet's Quantum-Secure solutions can support your information privacy needs.