The encryption of data or online conversations serves to prevent third parties from spying on the contents. In the digital age, not only the amount of data is increasing, but also the exchange of data via networks and the Internet. Data security and data protection play an important role here. In our article we explain the importance of encryption and which encryption methods are used for this purpose.
What is encryption?
Encryption refers to an algorithmic process in which data is changed into a form that can no longer be read. The data is encrypted using electronic or digital keys. Synonyms for the term encryption are coding or ciphering. Encryption is used when two or more people communicate with each other. Encryption procedures are also used when confidential and sensitive data is exchanged or stored. The everyday areas of application of encryption are therefore diverse. The following list summarizes the most important examples of encrypted online communication:
The advantage of digital encryption is that unauthorized persons cannot view the contents of the transmission. Only when the data has been decrypted is it possible to read it. A defined code or an algorithmic key is required for decryption.
In the past, Indians used smoke signals to send a message to other tribes. This worked at first because only they could interpret the hidden signals correctly. Later, however, these secret signs were decoded by other people, so that this kind of encryption no longer worked. Today we use encryption to protect personal data on a shared computer from other users. On mobile devices, we encrypt our data so that it does not fall into the wrong hands if lost or stolen. E-mail encryption has also become an important aspect of online communication.
How does encoding work?
The conversion of freely accessible data to encrypted content is based on the principle of cryptography. Mathematical algorithms are used here. An encryption process is used to encode messages into an unchangeable character string.
Strong encryption of sensitive content using cryptography and complex algorithms pursues certain goals. First and foremost, it is a matter of handling confidential data securely so that strangers cannot access it. Only the authorized recipient is allowed to decrypt the files or mails intended for him with the appropriate key and read the contents.
In addition, the coding of data ensures that they are not changed or manipulated. The recipient must always be able to recognize the integrity of the sent files. In addition, data security is a feature that ensures that data comes from a trustworthy source and is therefore authentic. This means that the encrypted message actually originates from that particular sender. It is equally important that it is binding so that a sender cannot deny that the message came from him.
What types of encryption are there?
Various encryption methods are used to encrypt data. These encryption methods can be divided into three types:
The symmetrical encryption method uses only one key to encrypt or decrypt data. This principle requires that both sender and receiver have the same code. The disadvantage of symmetric encryption is the danger that if the secret key is lost, the data is no longer secure. This problem occurs when the code is distributed or stored or exchanged without protection.
Modern symmetrical encryption methods use block encryption or stream encryption. The second method involves encrypting codes one after the other and individually. In the block variant of encryption, the code is encoded in blocks, which are then encrypted in a defined fixed sequence. Symmetric encryption methods include AES, MARS and Serpent.
Unlike symmetric encryption, asymmetric procedures use two different keys. These codes are divided into a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt the data and can be accessed by any person. The private key, on the other hand, is a personal code with which data can be decrypted again. The private key is only useful here if the data has been previously encrypted with the corresponding public key. Asymmetrical encryption methods include public key methods such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP).
The asymmetric encryption is based on complex mathematical functions. Encrypting and decrypting these codes often takes longer than with symmetric encryption variants. The reason for this is the higher computing power required for asymmetric encryption. Therefore, hybrid encryption methods exist which combine symmetrical and asymmetrical keys and their advantages. Hybrid encryption thus offers on the one hand a fast encryption by symmetric methods. The following transmission is done with ciphers from an asymmetric method.
Encryption technologies at a glance
In cryptography, the distinction between symmetric keys, asymmetric encryption and hybrid encrypted data is initially of a fundamental nature. In addition, there are further components of a coding, which together result in a complex encryption procedure. The following overview lists known and frequently used encryption methods:
What is the most secure method of encryption?
When it comes to encryption, the question always arises as to which encryption method is the best and offers the highest IT security. Complete end-to-end encryption is at the forefront. In principle, security increases with the length and number of ciphers. A secure coding uses well-known and already extensively analyzed procedures. However, there is no absolute guarantee of security for many encryption methods used in practice. Certain variants of encryption, which are currently considered secure, could be ignored in the future. All that remains is the prospect of making the circumvention of encryption procedures as costly as possible. In general, the encryption of content is always a balancing act between security and user convenience.
A sticking point for the security of encryption variants is often not the procedure but the key. With it, strangers can easily circumvent any coding if the key falls into their hands. The choice of the right key always depends a little on who data is to be protected against. The human being plays an important role in the level of security. In many cases, a data system creates a password automatically, but users often formulate their access data themselves. The risk of unauthorized decryption increases enormously when users carelessly enter their login details. Passwords are easy to decrypt if they are too simple and too short. Therefore, complexity and secrecy of passwords are the most important basics for encryption to fulfill the desired purpose.
Why is encryption important?
Encryption reduces the risk of unauthorized access and misuse. Anyone who processes and manages data or surfs the Internet can effectively ensure secure data exchange with simple rules. In the age of global cloud systems and smart technology, networks or any mobile device are a potential security risk if data is not protected.
Is there a threat of a ban on secure encryption?
Encrypted communication via online services guarantees the protection of sensitive data. The provisions of the basic data protection regulation strengthen the security of data. However, the encryption of conversation content is still a recurring topic for authorities and state bodies. This concerns access to messages in encrypted networks, messengers or cloud systems.
The intention behind this is to prevent planned crimes or to solve them more quickly. The European Union is already thinking about this and has already drawn up the first draft resolutions. Although the ministers responsible for security issues stress the importance of data protection, they see the need for more surveillance. This includes legal possibilities for intelligence services to access encrypted content through the back door.
However, many members of the Council of Europe oppose the installation of such backdoors. Some member states such as the Netherlands or Finland are also strongly opposed. Experience in recent years has clearly shown that existing trust in digital services declines when privacy is secretly compromised.