We’re living in challenging times for data security. Besides the increase in severity and costs of attacks, data-focused threats are on the rise. 2021 saw a record-breaking 1,862 data breaches according to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s report.
No business, regardless of size, is immune to these threats. Major companies like LinkedIn, Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Meta experienced significant breaches in 2021. The trend continued in 2022 with notable breaches at Rockstar, Uber, Twitter, and LastPass.
Given this context, it’s natural for companies to be concerned about cyberthreats, though many fail to prioritize their security investments effectively. It’s crucial to understand fundamental cybersecurity processes such as encryption, hashing, and encoding to protect data.
Understanding Encryption
Encryption transforms data into an unreadable format that only authorized users can decipher. Encryption algorithms prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, requiring a unique cryptographic key to decrypt the information.
There are two main types of encryption based on the key used: symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
Symmetric Encryption
Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encrypting and decrypting data. This method is fast and suitable for large data volumes but is less secure since the same key is used for both processes.
Asymmetric Encryption
Asymmetric encryption uses two different keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This method is more secure but slower, making it ideal for transmitting small data volumes.
Understanding Hashing
Hashing generates a unique numerical value (hash) from input data using a hash algorithm, providing a digital fingerprint of the data. Even minor changes in the data result in a completely different hash, making it difficult to revert to the original data.
Hashing ensures data integrity and is commonly used for password encryption. Popular hashing algorithms include MD5, SHA, and RIPEMD.
Uses of Hashing
Hashing is used in digital signatures, SSL certificates, computer graphics, and database searches. For example, WhatsApp uses MD5 hashing to ensure images remain unchanged during transmission.
Understanding Encoding
Encoding transforms data from one format to another, ensuring data integrity across different systems. It doesn’t require keys, just an algorithm to decode the data.
Uses of Encoding
Encoding is widely used for audio and video files, making them compatible with various playback systems. Common encoding algorithms include ASCII, Unicode, and Base64.
Encryption, Hashing, and Encoding: The Basics of Data Security
Encryption ensures data confidentiality, hashing validates data integrity, and encoding maintains data usability. Together, these methods provide a foundational layer of security, essential for any robust security strategy.
While these methods are crucial, they should be part of a comprehensive security strategy that includes advanced systems, detailed security plans, staff training, and technological investments.