Data Encryption Helps Protect Your Data

Businesses can use data encryption to protect their information. The tech is available in a few types of methods of data encryption to combat cybercrime. Certain data encryption that works for another type of business might not be the right type for your business. Internet security experts like those at Carolina Shred can help you choose the best method of data encryption for your situation.

What Is Data Encryption?

Cryptography – the technique of hiding information – has been around for many years. The word ‘encryption’ is a combination of Greek and English words that mean “in hiding.” An encryption cipher, which is a mathematical algorithm, converts regular text to random characters. For example, the word ‘Hi’ might be encrypted to look like this: 8363.

To read the information, you have to decrypt it with the same algorithmic key that encrypted the file. For example, if you encrypt your email, you must have the same “key” that you use to encrypt the data in order for the decryption.

A common example of data encryption is your email. If you have “encrypt emails” turned on, your email program will encrypt the emails before you send them out. Should someone send you an encrypted email, your email program decrypts the email as it downloads them so you can read them without looking for a decryption program.

How Does Data Encryption Work?

As data travels through the internet from places to your computer, hackers can steal it. However, you can install software or hardware to encrypt the data. The encryption software or hardware changes legible text (plain text) to incomprehensible text (ciphertext). The person receiving the data uses the key to decrypt the text, so it is legible.

The more complex the cryptographic key is, the more secure your data is since hackers are less likely to be able to try random numbers until they guess the correct combination. For example, banks use 128-bit AES encryption when you log into online banking. Another example of encrypted data you see all the time is passwords.  

What Are the Most Common Data Encryption Techniques?

Data encryption can use a symmetric key or asymmetric key. The symmetric key is a secret key that both encodes and decodes information. This type of data encryption is best for small data sets or sharing from person to person.

An asymmetric key, which is a public key, uses one private and one public key. Anyone can use the public key to encrypt data. The decryption key is kept private.

Data Encryption Testimonials for Shred America

Some of the testimonials we received for all of our services include:

• First time using Shred America. Respond to email quickly, was able to estimate the job, set an appointment for the following week. Driver contact the customer when he was close. Paper shredded while customer watched. Eighty to ninety boxes shredded in no time.
• Excellent service. Shred America sends truck to customer’s home once per year to shred old tax records and other documents. Can watch the driver shred the documents. Helpful, polite and professional staff. Best service for the money.
• Best in value. Used many times. Veteran owned. Flexible scheduling. Informs of arrival times. Receive email guaranteeing the shred job. Best shred company around.
• Highly recommend. Final price was under the estimate. No hidden fees, no surprise fees. Will use again.

Contact Shred America for Shredding Services

When you need document shredding and data encryption, contact Shred America. We’ll discuss your needs and make an appointment to attend to your needs.