With the constant rise in cyber threats and data breaches, cybersecurity has become paramount for organizations today. Data encryption, as described by TechTarget, is “a foundational element of cybersecurity.”
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However, a 2023 study by Thales Group revealed that only 20 percent of respondents reported that 60 percent or more of their cloud data is encrypted. Additionally, the study found that, on average, only 45 percent of sensitive data is encrypted. This highlights the fact that a significant amount of sensitive data remains unencrypted.
The situation is changing, though, as reflected in the market research. Market Research Future predicts that the data encryption market will grow from $13.4 billion in 2022 to $38.5 billion by 2023, exhibiting a robust 16.3 percent CAGR.
In this article, we will explore various encryption technologies and what the future holds, including the growing threats from quantum computers and the steps taken by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to address the issue.
How Encryption Works
Encryption is a method of making data, such as messages or files, unreadable to unauthorized individuals, ensuring that only authorized users can access and decrypt it. Encryption involves using complex algorithms to scramble data and decrypt it using a key provided by the message sender. This ensures the privacy and confidentiality of information, whether it is stored or in transit. Any unauthorized access to the data will only result in a chaotic array of bytes.
Here are a few essential encryption terms you should know:
Algorithm
Also known as a cipher, algorithms are the rules or instructions for the encryption process. The effectiveness of the encryption depends on factors such as key length, functionality, and features of the encryption system in use.
Decryption
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Decryption is the process of converting unreadable ciphertext back into readable information.
Key
An encryption key is a randomized string of bits used to encrypt and decrypt data. Each key is unique, and longer keys are harder to break. There are two types of cryptographic key systems: symmetric and asymmetric.
Symmetric Key Systems
In a symmetric key system, everyone accessing the data uses the same key. The keys that encrypt and decrypt messages must remain secret to ensure privacy. While it is possible for this system to work, securely distributing the keys to ensure proper controls are in place makes symmetric encryption impractical for widespread commercial use.
Asymmetric Key Systems
An asymmetric key system, also known as a public/private key system, uses two keys. One key, the private key, remains secret, while the other key, the public key, is widely available to anyone who needs it. The private and public keys are mathematically related, allowing the corresponding private key to decrypt information encrypted using the public key.
Encryption in Action
To better understand how encryption works, let’s take a look at an example using email-friendly software like Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) or GnuPG (GPG) for open-source enthusiasts. Imagine I want to send you a private message. I encrypt the message using one of these programs, resulting in a jumbled mess of random characters. However, with the key I provide, you can decrypt it and find the original message: “Come on over for hot dogs and soda!”
Whether data is in transit, like our encrypted email, or resting on your hard drive, encryption ensures that prying eyes are kept out of your business, even if they gain access to your network or system. Encryption comes in various forms, with key size and strength being the primary differences among different encryption methods.
Common Encryption Algorithms
1. Triple DES
Triple DES was designed to replace the original Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm, which proved vulnerable to attacks. Triple DES uses three individual keys, each with 56 bits. Although the total key length adds up to 168 bits, experts argue that a key strength of 112 bits is more accurate. While Triple DES is gradually being phased out, it has largely been replaced by the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).
2. AES
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the algorithm trusted as the standard by the U.S. Government and numerous organizations. AES is highly efficient in 128-bit form, but it also supports keys of 192 and 256 bits for heavy-duty encryption purposes. AES is considered impervious to all attacks, except for brute force, which attempts to decipher messages using all possible combinations in the cipher.
3. RSA Security
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RSA is a public-key encryption algorithm and the standard for encrypting data sent over the internet. It is also used in PGP and GPG programs. RSA is considered an asymmetric algorithm as it uses a pair of keys: a public key to encrypt the message and a private key to decrypt it. Breaking RSA encryption requires a significant amount of time and processing power.
4. Blowfish
Blowfish is another algorithm designed to replace DES. This symmetric cipher splits messages into blocks of 64 bits and encrypts them individually. Blowfish is known for its speed and overall effectiveness, making it popular in various software categories, from ecommerce platforms to password management tools.
5. Twofish
Blowfish’s successor, Twofish, was also developed by computer security expert Bruce Schneier. Twofish uses keys up to 256 bits in length and, as a symmetric technique, requires only one key. It is one of the fastest encryption methods and suitable for use in both hardware and software environments.
NIST and the Future of Encryption
As cyberattacks continue to evolve, security specialists strive to develop new encryption algorithms to counter them. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently announced four new standardized encryption algorithms. Three of these algorithms are expected to be ready in 2024, followed by others.
Starting in 2016, the NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization project involved evaluating 69 encryption algorithms submitted by experts from around the world. After multiple rounds of evaluation and analysis, four algorithms were selected:
- CRYSTALS-Kyber (FIPS 203): Designed for general encryption purposes, such as creating websites.
- CRYSTALS-Dilithium (FIPS 204): Designed to protect digital signatures used for remote document signing.
- SPHINCS+ (FIPS 205): Also designed for digital signatures.
- FALCON: Designed for digital signatures, with its own draft FIPS expected in 2024.
Go Beyond Encryption
While encryption is an essential component of data protection, there are other vital aspects to consider, such as deep-learning cybersecurity and immutable backups that prevent unauthorized alteration or deletion of data.
For expert help with all your data protection, business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery requirements, choose an Arcserve technology partner. Discover how easy-to-use and effective Arcserve solutions can be by trying our free trials.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a cybersecurity professional or legal expert for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Nguồn: https://eireview.org
Danh mục: Technology
