Data Encryption is a security technique that protects information by converting it into a coded format (ciphertext), which can only be decoded and accessed by authorised parties with the correct decryption key. Key features:
Types:
- Symmetric encryption
- Asymmetric encryption
- Hashing
Algorithms:
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
- RSA
- SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm)
Applications:
- Secure communication
- Data storage protection
- Password storage
Key Management:
- Generation of encryption keys
- Secure key storage
- Key rotation
Challenges:
- Performance impact
- Key distribution
- Regulatory compliance
Data encryption is essential for protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access.