Cybersecurity is one of the top concerns for many users today. Therefore, it is no surprise that new mechanisms are constantly being sought to safeguard against threats. Today, ITD Consulting introduces one of these tools: cryptography.
The use of encryption mechanisms, such as cryptography, to protect communication security is not a novel concept in human history, as many civilizations have employed it.
An example of this is the clay tablets from Mesopotamia, dating back to around 1500 B.C. These tablets show a special cipher used to protect pottery formulas, for instance. Similarly, we can see its use in encoding messages during World War II with mechanical and electromechanical cipher machines.
Currently, this protective mechanism has been refined and adapted to computer systems, allowing us to have an extra layer of security for our communications. Let's take a closer look at this.
What is Cryptography?
Cryptography is a technique for protecting information using ciphers, codes, or overwriting, so that it cannot be read by unauthorized users. The evolution of cryptography involves the use of mathematical algorithms.
The use of cryptography is tied to three central goals: authenticating the identity of users in contact, protecting personal communications, banking, and business transactions, and safeguarding the integrity of electronic transfers.
Types of Cryptography
The team of cybersecurity experts at ITD Consulting presents the types of cryptography that you can use so you can choose the most suitable one for your communications.
1. Symmetric Cryptography
This encryption mechanism is based on a password that must be known by both the sender and the receiver of the message to encrypt and decrypt it. This mechanism is not very secure as it is easier to intercept the key, which is transmitted without any security.
2. Asymmetric Cryptography
This type of cryptography refers to a secure connection between two parties, characterized by the verification of both parties and allowing the exchange of information based on that. This system uses two keys to encrypt the message, one public and the other private. The private key, in this case, is used to decrypt the received information.
3. Hybrid Cryptography
This type of cryptography uses both symmetric and asymmetric mechanisms. It uses a public key to share the encryption password. When sending a message, the sender uses their own private key, and this information is sent to the receiver, ensuring a different key for each session.
Common Uses of Cryptography
While it may seem like a new tool for those just venturing into the virtual world, cryptography is a mechanism that we all use in our daily lives. For example, it is used for making purchases with Apple Pay, using Netflix, or connecting to our Wi-Fi network.
Now, ITD Consulting would like to introduce some of the most common mechanisms where you can use cryptography to ensure more secure connections and protect your information.
1. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Using a VPN allows you to encrypt your internet connection, so you can prevent unauthorized individuals from monitoring your online activities or stealing your personal information. VPNs use an encryption tunnel to hide your activities on the network.
2. HTTPS
Having an encrypted HTTPS connection for your website is essential. The "S" at the end of the acronym refers to the site's security. HTTPS provides an encryption layer to websites, ensuring that the information sent and received is protected. You will notice this protection by the green padlock icon in the address bar. Make sure your website has this system in place.
3. ncrypt Your Devices
The operating systems of our mobile devices and computers can be encrypted to protect our information. This helps safeguard the disk from unauthorized access.
For Mac users, there is an integrated encryption package called FileVault. For Windows users, BitLocker can be used. For mobile devices, iOS comes with default encryption, while Android users must enable it in the settings.
As you can see, cryptography is used as an everyday tool in many systems, serving as an indispensable and additional layer of security on top of the other cybersecurity systems we use daily or that many companies have implemented.
As mentioned throughout the article, cryptography is a tool that can be combined with others but is not a catch-all solution against increasingly sophisticated threats. In that sense, we recommend using it as one part of your cybersecurity protocols. Keep in mind that threats are growing, and a year of higher cybersecurity spending is expected, so it's wise to be prepared with all available mechanisms, well-managed and coordinated with one another.
If you'd like to learn more about cryptography or more advanced cybersecurity mechanisms to keep your data safe and become a resilient business, contact us at [email protected]. We have a team of cybersecurity experts who will provide the best solutions tailored to your needs.
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