How to choose the right encryption for your sensitive data?

When it comes to cyber security, encryption is one of the most critical components of a strong data protection strategy; yet many businesses and individuals tend to overlook the significance that a robust encryption method renders. With data breaches on the rise, safeguarding your sensitive data should not only be a priority, but a systematic practice that ensures that data is protected on every step of the way.

According to IBM's ‘Cost of a data breach 2022’ report, an average data breach costs organizations a whopping $4.35M with 83% of studied organizations experiencing more than one data breach in their lifetime. Prioritizing encryption for your data can not only benefit you in the long run, but it can also instill a sense of security and confidence.

Encryption is the process of converting readable information (plain text) into an unreadable format (ciphertext), ensuring it remains secure during transmission or storage. This is achieved through complex algorithms that scramble the data, making it impossible to interpret without the correct decryption key.

AxCrypt employs the AES-256 encryption algorithm, a trusted method used by governments and organizations worldwide. With AxCrypt, your files remain secure, whether they’re stored on your device or shared with others, preventing unauthorized access at every level.

Encryption methods generally fall into two categories: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Each serves different purposes, and understanding their distinctions is key to choosing the right solution.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

AES, widely known as Rijndael, is the go-to symmetric encryption algorithm used across multiple industries. Its key lengths—128, 192, or 256 bits—provide strong security for any data type. AES operates on a sophisticated Substitution-Permutation Network, which makes breaking it computationally infeasible.

Triple DES (3DES)

3DES is an enhancement of the original DES (Data Encryption Standard) algorithm, applying it three times to each data block. While 3DES improved upon its predecessor, it was eventually found vulnerable to modern attacks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has deprecated 3DES, and its use in new systems is being phased out.

RSA

RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm, named after its inventors (Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman). It’s widely used in securing communications, such as SSL/TLS for web security, email encryption, and even cryptocurrencies. RSA works by generating large prime numbers to create a cryptographic key, offering multiple levels of encryption strength.

AxCrypt employs symmetric encryption for simple, efficient protection. This method uses a single key for both encryption and decryption, providing strong security while allowing easy access to your files.

For secure file sharing, AxCrypt integrates asymmetric encryption, which utilizes two keys: a public key for encrypting files and a private key for decryption. This ensures that only the intended recipient can access the data, adding an extra layer of security when sharing sensitive information.

Key Management for Advanced Protection

AxCrypt incorporates a sophisticated key management system to streamline the encryption process and improve security. Each encrypted file gets a unique encryption key, also known as a session key. This session key is securely stored and only accessible to authorized users. When files are shared, the session key is encrypted and distributed to selected recipients, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot gain access to the file, even if they obtain a copy.

AxCrypt sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive, user-friendly encryption platform designed for modern-day file security needs. Here’s why AxCrypt is the best choice for encrypting your sensitive data: