A guide to choosing the right encryption software
Encryption software obscures confidential data to prevent it from being accessed by unauthorized parties. Encryption ensures that information is stored securely, and can be accessed with data integrity still intact.
Global Relay deploys encryption software at all product levels, from legal archiving to corporate surveillance. This means that clients can feel confident in the knowledge that their sensitive information can’t be accessed by threatening parties, like fraudsters. As well as this, file encryption software means that regulators or auditors can access communications as and when, without the chance of editing, corruption or plausible deniability.
How does encryption work?
There are several accepted techniques for data encryption, and can depend on whether sensitive data is in transit or at rest. This can prevent unauthorized access to all types of encrypted file, from email encryption to your operating system.
Encryption algorithms are typically deployed as soon as data is captured, while it remains in storage, and if it’s required to be recalled again. In Global Relay’s case, data at rest refers to archived and stored information (like in cloud storage), whereas data in transit is being recalled to be examined.
An encryption solution uses a mathematical algorithm to code plain text into a cipher. While these new symbols may appear random, there is a logical method to their data protection madness.
The two common cipher categories are:
- Public key ciphers
- Symmetric key ciphers
What are Public key ciphers?
Public key ciphers use one key to encrypt the data, and a different key to decrypt it. For this reason, the encryption key is publicly shared, but the decryption key is kept private. This method is otherwise known as an asymmetric encryption, and is typically used for data in transit.
Symmetric key ciphers
Alternatively, symmetric ciphers are used when the same key applies to both encryption and decryption. This means that all communicating parties use the same code, and is typically used for sensitive files at rest.
Vulnerabilities to encryption software
Brute force attacks can put encrypted files into vulnerable data privacy positions. These occur when the attacker doesn’t know the decryption key, but is able to guess, usually through automated trial and error. At Global Relay, we ensure data security, protecting clients against both brute force attacks and more sophisticated attempts to access your data. This is through a combination of strong passwords, 24/7 monitoring, regular penetration testing, high performance system infrastructure and a military grade encryption algorithm.