Data security/encryption

Data security refers to protective digital privacy measures that are applied to prevent unauthorized access and the protection of data from corruption.

One key aspect of data security is encryption. When dealing with sensitive data, both business and personal, it is important to consider its security against unauthorized parties. Encryption is the process of converting data to an unrecognizable or "encrypted" form. This can be done in multiple ways since it works through a coding process (algorithm) to prevent documents, emails messages, and other types of information from being accessed by unauthorized users. Since it is important to take such measures to protect data, encryption can be done in a couple way. The most common are Symmetric Encryption and Asymmetric Encryption. Data not only has to be protected from an internet connection but also at it true location and that is why Full-Disk Encryption is there to help.

Strong user authentication is another way to help protect sensitive data. Knowing who is able to view, modify, or create, is extremely important one will know that the right person was able to access such data. To allow an authorized user access they would be required to log in using multiple factors of authentication. Such authentication includes passwords, one-time-password, a smart card, or a fingerprint.

Data not only has to be protected from intruders but by conditions that may not be preventable. For instance, a virus on a computer could corrupt data. A device could also break, preventing access, or even a power supply ending, causing information not to be saved properly. The best way to prevent this is to backup information which allows you to restore your data instead of completely from scratch.