Encryption software is used to encode and decode sensitive data. Typically, encrypted data is in the form of files, which are saved on hard drives or removable media like CDs and DVDs. You can also encrypt email messages to ensure that they can’t be intercepted and read by unauthorized third parties.
Features and Advantages of Encryption Software
These applications are available in three major categories: file encryption software, disk encryption software and email encryption software. Despite this, encryption applications all use similar strategies to protect information: information protection is achieved through the execution of an algorithm that prevents it from being decoded without the proper decryption key. There are many different algorithms used in encryption software, but the most popular (and secure) are Rijndael, Serpent, Twofish, RC6 and MARS.
File encryption software uses algorithms to scramble the information in sensitive files to ensure that only you and users you authorize can view the information they contain. Disk encryption software does the same thing but targets an entire section of a hard drive or removable media device rather than an individual file. Full disk encryption software encodes every single bit of data on the drive, including programs. Finally, email encryption software encodes both outgoing and incoming messages because all email can be intercepted by third parties. If you’re sending sensitive information via email, encryption software gives you a vital added layer of protection.
A high level of security is the key advantage of using encryption software. It is virtually impossible for an unauthorized party to decipher encoded data, even if he or she manages to access or intercept it. When used in combination with firewall software, you can create an impenetrable layer of safety around your network so you can rest assured that people who shouldn’t be viewing your files aren’t able to.
Popular Encryption Software Applications
By and large, the quality of encryption software is determined by the number of different algorithms it supports. As mentioned, Rijndael, Serpent, Twofish, RC6 and MARS are the most popular, but there are many others. More choice equals more security. Free encryption software typically offers only limited algorithms, giving you fewer data encoding and decoding options.
When it comes to disk encryption software, platform authentication is another consideration you should make. You can get a trusted platform module (TPM) embedded in your hardware, which can be used to confirm the security of additional hardware devices. These cryptoprocessors ensure that any hardware requesting access to your computer is the hardware that you are expecting to do so.