Why You Need Encryption

There is much emphasis that is placed on security, both for personal electronic data and for what is used for business purposes. As the world becomes more and more connected, the data that we use is shared more frequently and is also shared in different ways. Any time data transfers over a network, there is a risk of having it intercepted. There is also a risk of the data being compromised if it is not stored in a secure location. Encrypting your data can help to secure it. There are many companies that provide encryption software but finding the right one for your business needs is where it could get tricky.

A variety of encryption programs are available for personal and commercial use. They form an important part of the security of your data and work hand-in-hand with other security features, including antivirus software, anti-spyware and firewalls. Having everything in place before you connect to a network to transfer the data greatly reduces the risk that it will be compromised. Even if the information should happen to be intercepted while it is in transit, it is less likely to be used for nefarious reasons if it is encrypted.

Unfortunately, most people and businesses in the United States are not taking advantage of encryption software. Even the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the National Security Agency, admits that Americans should be using encryption when they are using the Internet (Source: http://www.salon.com/2014/03/06/u_s_intelligence_officials_nevermind_us_maybe_you_need_encryption_partner/). That is an ironic statement, considering the fact that the agency has come under fire recently for accessing unencrypted traffic online and failed to tell the truth about it.

It is not only national agencies that are interested in your data, it is also individuals who would like to use the data for their own purposes. There are also times when it is necessary to encrypt data in transit because of regulatory agencies which monitor your business. As an example, businesses that handle sensitive medical information will need to ensure that it is secure in transit in order to remain compliant with HIPPA regulations. There are also regulatory agencies that monitor other businesses as well, including those that handle financial information.

Regardless of whether you are an individual or a large corporation, encrypting your data provides you with piece of mind. Although it is only part of an overall security program, it is a failsafe because it keeps the data from being accessed in the event of a security breach, because once your data is compromised, there’s no going back. A great encryption solution needs to be able to protect your data before the system even has a chance to start up! This is known as pre-boot authentication and is only available threw WinMagic. Another feature an encryption solution should have is the ability to authenticate thre a password, fingerprint sensor, smart card, or token (Source). These are just some of the different features an encryption solution should have and it’s important that you choose the right one for your business.