Data security through encryption and password protection

Data protection is one of the priorities of large companies and private users. It is unlikely that anyone wants their passwords to get on the Internet or company accounts to be made public or transferred to third parties. Various data storage services often use encryption technologies and passwords for protection. How it works – read on. You’ll also find some tips on how to make your passwords better.

Data encryption

Encryption is a technology that involves turning your information into a cipher and then returning it to its original state. Thus, documents stored somewhere (for example, in a virtual data room) cannot be read by a third party.

All current data storage services use encryption for protection. You could say it has become the gold standard. What exactly and how is encrypted is decided by the service developers. Sometimes encryption is applied to only part of the data (for example, only passwords are encrypted). Or separate folders; files are encrypted.

Even assuming an attacker gets hold of your data, he will not be able to decrypt or understand it – part (or all) of the data will look like code.

You typically encounter data encryption when you are asked to enter personal identification information on a web form. For example, websites of financial, government, educational, and trade organizations usually encrypt your data to protect it from theft and fraud.

Passwords

A password is the first line of defense for your personal information online. A few simple rules will help make your passwords truly strong and secure.

Take care of your passwords

It’s best to keep your passwords in your head where no one can steal them from. But remembering dozens of unique complex passwords is not easy, so experts recommend using password storage apps, many of which are safe and accessible.

Use two-factor authentication

If your password fails you, two-factor authentication can protect you from hacking and identity theft. With its help, the site is twice convinced that you are you. The first time is when you enter your password. The second time is when you receive a phone call, SMS code, or another message to confirm that you entered the password and not someone else. It is important to remember that verification by phone is not perfect – SMS and calls can be intercepted. Mobile operators in some countries provide this information to intelligence agencies to hack the accounts of critics or opponents of the government.

Password protect your computer and phone

Even if you follow all the rules, but save passwords in your computer browser or phone applications, then, having taken possession of them, attackers will be able to gain access to all your accounts. In this case, programs that can find out the physical location of your devices will help and if necessary, also block them.

Never repeat passwords

It’s easy to remember one password and use it for every social network and website. As easy as getting your single password and accessing all your social networks and accounts.

Make Passwords Complex

Modern computers make it easy to crack short and simple passwords. Programs that “guess” them can instantly guess most passwords between 4 and 7 characters long. But to break a complex password of 13 characters or longer, modern computers can take hundreds of years.

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