You've likely discovered encryption is necessary if you have ever tried to protect your data. However, the majority of people don't know what encryption means. Its operation is even less well-known. It doesn't take an expert to protect your online data. However, it is beneficial to know the basics of key topics such as encryption. While most e-commerce sites have their encryption in place to protect customers, a free VPN provides additional protection by encrypting data further and preventing identity theft.
What’s data encryption?
Data encryption is a process that transforms unencrypted and human-readable data into encrypted data that only those who have the right cryptographic key can access. Encryption is a computational procedure that transforms unencrypted, human-readable data into encrypted data that can only be accessed by those with the correct cryptographic key.
How does data encryption work?
Cleartext, or plaintext, refers to data that doesn't need to be encrypted. Plaintext must be sent using some encryption methods. These are mathematical operations on raw data. There are many encryption methods available, each with its own security rating and application.
An encryption key, in addition to the algorithms, is required. An encryption key is also required to convert plaintext into encrypted data. This is known as ciphertext. The encrypted piece of data is transmitted to the receiver using insecure communication methods.
The intended recipient can use decryption keys to convert the encrypted message back to plaintext after they have received it. The decryption key must remain private, even though it may be the same key that was used to encrypt the communication.
Common encryption algorithms
Triple DES
Triple DES was designed to replace Data Encryption Standard, (DES), which hackers were able to break quite easily.
AES
The Advanced Encryption Standard, (AES), is a cryptographic standard that the US government and other organizations consider to be the gold standard.
RSA Security
RSA Security is a standard to encrypt data sent over the Internet using the RSA public key encryption method.
Blowfish
This symmetric cipher divides messages into 64-bit blocks and encrypts each one individually.
Data in transit vs. data at rest
Data in transit is also known as data moving, or data in motion. It refers to information that is actively moving from one place to another, such as the internet, private networks, and so on.
Data at rest is information that does not move from one device or network to the next. This includes information stored on a hard drive or laptop and information archived/stored in another manner.
End-to-end vs. VPN encryption
End-to-end encryption in communication apps (E2EE), prevents data from being read, listened to, manipulated, or misused during transit. End-to-end encryption does not work with all communication services. No matter what messaging application you use, all VPNs have encryption capabilities to protect privacy and security.
End-to-end encryption uses data that is encrypted during transit but not decrypted once it reaches its destination. Data is encrypted at the time it is sent, and then decrypted once it reaches its destination. Secure VPN for PC adheres to strict no-log policies and does not store any information.
E2EE and VPNs both offer modern, secure ways to protect your private conversations. However, VPNs can also encrypt more of your online traffic and provide additional benefits.
Different types of VPN encryption
Here are the top VPN encryption protocols.
- OpenVPN, a highly secure VPN encryption system, is widely used today. OpenVPN is an open-source technology that can be modified in many ways.
- Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, (L2TP), and IPSec can be used to establish a secure connection between your device & the VPN server.
- SSTP, a Microsoft-owned VPN protocol, is mainly used with Windows operating system.
- Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol is a dial-up VPN method.
Is it possible to hack encrypted data?
Encrypted data makes hacking possible. Many endpoint devices have encryption options, including complete disk encryption. An attacker can access an endpoint device with malware and use its keys to decrypt data.
To break encryption, attackers often try random keys. The success rate is directly related to the size of the key. As a result, most encryption standards require 256-bit encryption keys. On the other hand, some encryption methods use weak ciphers that can be brute force attacked.
The simplest way to hack encrypted data is to use phishing and other social engineering methods to trick a privileged user. Encrypted data is at risk from a privileged user turning against the company or abusing their privileges. Insider threats are also created by negligent users who fail to follow security policies.
Securely and easily encrypt your data with a VPN
Hackers use a variety of methods to steal identities, including intercepting data being sent to websites from users. For example, hackers could intercept sensitive information as an individual makes an online transaction. You can prevent online theft of your credentials or other important data by using a VPN.