subject: Managed It Services Spotlight - Data Encryption [print this page] Data encryption is important for businesses of all size. It can help ensure that your data is protected from unauthorized use and access. Depending upon your business, data encryption may be a requirement for compliance reasons, but even if it is not, ensuring your data and customer's sensitive information is protected can save you from hassle in the future.
There are many types of data encryption methods, and both hardware and software solutions available. The basis for data encryption is the use of mathematical formulas and algorithmic schemes to convert data typically stored in plaintext to encrypted text. Instead of a password being stored in plaintext for example as 'password', encrypted it might look more like '5hf72%1fh572#'. The encrypted text is only readable with the proper key to convert it back to plaintext.
Once used as a military security tool, data encryption is now available in many forms for consumers and small businesses. Even certain versions of Microsoft Windows Vista and 7 include a built-in BitLocker drive encryption technology that can be easily implemented to protect data stored on your hard drive. One often overlooked area of data security is the use of laptops that are taken outside of businesses. Laptops are prime targets for thieves and often contain large amounts of sensitive data. Ensuring that laptops used outside of your office have encrypted hard drives should be a priority. In the unfortunate case of a laptop's loss or theft, encryption gives you the assurance that your data remains private and out of harm's way. The downside to encrypted hard drives is that if the drive fails, data recovery can be extremely difficult to impossible. Another good reason to make sure you have an effective data backup procedure in place. If you don't, a Managed IT Service can assist with that too.
Data encryption is not only for data stored on your computers and servers. If your business has a website that collects, processes or transfers sensitive information, you should ensure that you have the proper secure socket layer (SSL) encryption in place. Not having the proper security for your website can lead you to becoming a prime target for exploitation.
When implementing a data encryption solution, it is essential to ensure that the solution you choose is best suited for your data and environment. There are many types and ways to implement data encryption that affect cost, data access, speed of data availability and level of security. It is important to select an IT partner who has a positive track record of successful data encryption implementations.
