In reality, everyone uses encryption technology on a daily basis.
Nearly every computing gadget we interact with daily utilizes encryption.
So, how does encryption work, and is encryption safe?
What Is Encryption?
Encryption is a modern form of cryptography that allows a user to hide information from others.
However, they differ in how they handle the steps between encryption and decryption.
DALL-E
Private Key Encryption
Private Keyor symmetricencryption differs from public-key encryption in the purpose of the keys.
There are still two keys needed to communicate, but each of these keys is now essentially the same.
Both of them are now able to add or remove things from the box.
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Speaking digitally, Joe can now encrypt a message as well as decrypt it with his key.
Karen can do the same with hers.
This is a simplified way of considering private key encryption.
At its core, cryptography is the act of creating and (attempting to) decipher a code.
However, the Greeks weren’t alone in developing primitive cryptography methods.
The Caesar Cipher is one of the first forms of cryptography many of us are introduced to as children.
Image Credit: Luringen/Wikimedia
As key size continues to improve, the time it takes to crack encryption using a brute-force attack skyrockets.
Most modern encryptions use a minimum of a 128-bit key, with some using 256-bit keys or greater.
There are a few moreencryption terms you should familiarize yourself withthat will help expand your knowledge of encryption.
There are several common encryption algorithms preferred due to their strength and security.
You probably know more about encryption than you think, especially some of the names.
Data Encryption Standard (DES)
The Data Encryption Standard is an original US Government encryption standard.
This is especially true regarding sensitive data.
RSA
RSA is one of the first public-key cryptographic algorithms.
RSA is a prominent encryption algorithm.
It is a primary feature of many protocols, including SSH, OpenPGP, S/MIME, and SSL/TLS.
Furthermore, browsers use RSA to establish secure communications over insecure networks.
RSA remains incredibly popular due to its key length.
An RSA key is typically 1024 or 2048 bits long.
Furthermore, there are different rounds of encryption for each key size.
A “round” is the process of turning plaintext into ciphertext.
For 128-bit, there are ten rounds.
192-bit has 12 rounds, and 256-bit has 14 rounds.
AES isone of the strongest forms of encryptioncurrently available.
When you read “military-grade encryption” on a product, it refers to AES.
Is Encryption Safe to Use?
Unequivocally,the answer is yes.
That said, encryption does have vulnerabilities that rest largely outside of the power of the technology.
Should You Use Encryption?
It isn’t really a case of whether you should use encryption.
A better question to consider is, “What would happen without encryption?”
