Encryption
Understanding the Basics of Data
Protection
What is Encryption?
• Encryption is the process of converting
readable data into an unreadable format to
prevent unauthorized access.
• • Protects sensitive information.
• • Uses algorithms to encode data.
How Does Encryption Work?
• Encryption involves two main steps:
• 1. Encryption: Data is transformed using an
algorithm and a key.
• 2. Decryption: The encoded data is reverted
back using the same key.
Types of Encryption
• 1. Symmetric Encryption: Same key is used to
encrypt and decrypt data.
• 2. Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys
(public and private).
Examples of Encryption in Everyday
Use
• • HTTPS websites encrypt communication
between browsers and servers.
• • Email encryption protects sensitive emails
from being read by unauthorized users.
• • Encrypted messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp)
protect users' messages.
Why is Encryption Important?
• • Protects data from hackers or unauthorized
users.
• • Ensures privacy and confidentiality.
• • Vital for securing online transactions and
communications.
Symmetric Encryption: Details
• • Symmetric encryption uses one key for both
encryption and decryption.
• • It is faster and suitable for large volumes of
data.
• • Common algorithms: AES, DES, 3DES.
Asymmetric Encryption: Details
• • Asymmetric encryption uses two keys: public
key (for encryption) and private key (for
decryption).
• • It is slower but more secure for small data
transfers.
• • Common algorithms: RSA, ECC.
Comparison of Symmetric and
Asymmetric Encryption
• • Symmetric encryption is faster but requires
secure key sharing.
• • Asymmetric encryption is slower but
eliminates the need for secure key
distribution.
Encryption Algorithms: AES
(Advanced Encryption Standard)
• • AES is widely used for secure data
encryption.
• • It supports key sizes of 128, 192, and 256
bits.
• • Used in VPNs, file encryption, and securing
online transactions.
Real-World Use Cases of
Encryption
• • Secure messaging apps: End-to-end
encryption (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal).
• • Online banking: Securing transactions and
personal information.
• • Cloud storage: Encrypting files to ensure
privacy and data security.
Encryption in Cloud Computing
• • Data encryption at rest and in transit.
• • Cloud providers offer encryption services to
secure user data.
• • Examples: AWS Key Management Service
(KMS), Microsoft Azure Encryption.
Challenges and Future of
Encryption
• • Quantum computing poses a potential
threat to current encryption algorithms.
• • Development of quantum-resistant
algorithms is ongoing.
• • Balancing security and performance remains
a challenge for encryption technologies.
