What is Data Encryption?

 

The Quickfire Guide to Data Encryption In 2021

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We generate more 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day – and yes, that includes you.

There is a high chance that you did not know you were churning out this much daily data or even how important the data is in the first place. From checking your online banking apps to logging into your favorite internet-based apps and accounts, though, all of that data can be stolen and mined for sensitive information about you.

This is where data encryption comes into the mix.

 

What Is Data Encryption?

As the name implies, this refers to the process of locking data down such that only authorized personnel and individuals can get access.

In other words, data encryption refers to the processes involved in ensuring your data does not get into the wrong hands and can only be unlocked by other relevant users.

Without data encryption, hackers would have a field day in stealing your social security numbers from government institutions, downloading your health history, hijacking your financial data from banks, and much more.

 

Ways to Encrypt Your Data In 2021

The good news is that you don’t have to go all-out to encrypt your data.

Here are some simple, DIY tips and tricks to better data encryption.

 

Tip #1 – Set Secure Passwords

The data on your devices (phones, laptops, etc) are highly important too. We store a lot of information about ourselves on these mobile units these days and they should not get into the wrong hands.

The same is true for all of your online accounts – from cloud storage to financial services and social media.

Get a password manager to store all of your unique passwords so that you are never tempted to use the same password more than once.

 

Tip #2 – Encrypt your network

Before anything else, make sure to stay off public or free Wi-Fi networks.

The providers of such networks can usually see anything you are doing. That, and we have not mentioned the lack of encryption on public Wi-Fi that makes it easier for hackers to hijack your connection.

Consider using a VPN to browse the web – either with or without a public Wi-Fi connection – for a better chance at online safety.

 

Tip #3 – Choose IMs wisely

WhatsApp got into hot water with its users earlier this year because of a controversial privacy policy that the company released. That tells you how much your choice of IM could also affect your privacy.

If your IM of choice does not offer end-to-end encryption, at least, now is the time to move to another provider.

 

Final Words

You can also check the built-in encryption programs that your phones/ computers/ other connected devices come with. Likewise, consider using 2FA on all of your accounts to provide yet another layer of security to you.

Finally, always be on the lookout for possible data breaches so that you never fall victim to the tricks of hackers and scammers alike.

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