Encryption technology converts data into an unreadable format using a mathematical algorithm. The only way to convert it back is through a second algorithm and a special key. Encryption is common in all levels of computer use and protects data from theft. There are two types of computer encryption: data at rest and data in transit.
Encryption technology, regardless of its medium, is one way to protect information. In computer systems, data is converted into an unreadable format using a mathematical algorithm. The only way to convert this information back into a readable format is through the use of a second algorithm and a special key. Systems often use silent self-encryption methods. As a result, encryption technology is common to all levels of computer use.
The basic method of encryption, whether or not it’s on a computer system, hasn’t changed much over the years. Original messages are altered in shape to appear as different messages or random text. These encrypted messages can be sent to another party or archived without fear of being compromised. The only people who can decrypt messages are those who have a key to the code. This key will translate the message into its original form.
Computer encryption technology is important in safeguarding your data. Computers can copy data very quickly and even send it over a network. As a result, sensitive information can be stolen in seconds. With encryption technology, a computer can protect its data from anyone who tries to take it.
Computer-based encryption methods are often more complex than those used externally. Because computers can process data very quickly, it is possible to scramble information repeatedly, creating a nearly indestructible code. Computer encryption often has several layers of encryption, so even if the top layer is broken, the information is still random text.
Usually, computer encryption is done completely automatically. An encryption program can keep anything from a drive to a folder or document encrypted. When a user wants to access encrypted information, he will enter a password and the information will be displayed. The decryption was done automatically by the computer. When the user closes the information, the program encrypts again.
There are two main types of computer encryption technology; data at rest and data in transit. With encryption at rest, information is stored as in the previous example. A single location is encrypted whenever the information is not specifically used. This type of encryption is common in government and corporate systems, but less common in the average home.
Data-in-transit encryption technology protects information as it moves over a network or through the air. This style of encryption takes unencrypted information, such as credit card information entered into fields on a website, and encrypts it. To continue the example, now encrypted credit information passes through the Internet to its destination. The correct recipient of the information holds the key to the information and decrypts it automatically. This type of encryption is common on nearly all networks, so it can be found anywhere there is an Internet connection.
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