Hey friends! As a cybersecurity nerd, I'm super pumped to explain the crucial topic of encryption. Understanding encryption is key to protecting yourself in our digital world.
In this post, we'll explore:
- What is encryption and why it matters
- Different types of encryption
- How public key encryption works
- Using encryption for secure communication
- Encrypting data at rest for storage security
- Hashing and salting passwords
- Digital signatures for identity and integrity
Let's dive in! Learning encryption basics helps strengthen your overall cyber skills.
What is Encryption?
Encryption is the process of encoding or scrambling data into a form that can only be decoded by authorized parties. It converts plaintext data into ciphertext that appears meaningless.
Encryption protects confidentiality and integrity. It plays a crucial role in securing:
- Data transmission
- Data storage
- Authentication and authorization
Without encryption, sensitive data would be exposed and vulnerable.
Different Types of Encryption
There are a few core encryption types:
- Symmetric encryption - Uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt data.
- Asymmetric encryption - Uses different keys for encryption and decryption.
- Hashing - Creates a fingerprint or hash value from input data.
We'll focus first on symmetric and asymmetric encryption.
How Symmetric Encryption Works
Symmetric encryption uses a shared secret key for both encryption by the sender and decryption by the recipient. Steps include:
- Sender and recipient agree on secret key.
- Sender encrypts plaintext data with secret key.
- Encrypted ciphertext transmitted to recipient.
- Recipient decrypts ciphertext back into plaintext using same key.
Algorithms like AES and Blowfish are common symmetric ciphers.
How Asymmetric Encryption Works
Also called public key encryption, asymmetric encryption uses key pairs with different keys for encryption and decryption:
- Each user has a public and private key pair.
- Public keys can be openly shared while private keys are secret.
- Data encrypted with a public key can only be decrypted by corresponding private key.
This enables secure communication without having to secretly share private keys beforehand.
Using Encryption for Secure Communication
Encryption secures communication channels like TLS/SSL, HTTPS, SSH, and VPNs:
- TLS/SSL - Encrypts traffic between web browsers and servers.
- HTTPS - Encrypted web protocol using TLS/SSL.
- SSH - Encrypts traffic in terminal connections and file transfers.
- VPNs - Encrypt network traffic over public networks.
These encrypt the communication session between two points to prevent eavesdropping.
Encrypting Data at Rest
Encrypting stored data protects files and databases when at rest on devices:
- Full disk encryption transforms entire disk contents.
- File/folder encryption allows granular control.
- Database encryption like transparent data encryption (TDE).
This protects data if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised.
Hashing and Salting Passwords
Best practice is to hash and salt stored passwords rather than encrypt them:
- One-way hash functions transform passwords into unreadable strings.
- Unique salts prevent use of rainbow tables to reverse hash.
- Helps securely authenticate users at login while protecting passwords.
Using Digital Signatures
Asymmetric encryption also enables digital signatures for security:
- Signing data with your private key allows verification using your public key.
- Ensures authenticity that data comes from you and is unchanged.
- Commonly used in blockchain, file transfers, software distribution.
Digital signatures provide identity, integrity, and non-repudiation.
Learn More about Encryption
I hope this beginner encryption overview sparks your interest to keep learning! Find courses, books, communities and practice applied encryption yourself.
Encryption may seem technical but is accessible to understand for all. As citizens of a digital world, we must protect ourselves with the powerful tools encryption provides.
Let's work together to build an encrypted future that respects privacy while enabling secure communication and commerce for the common good.
