Modern computers include tools to secure data which makes it unreadable to anyone without the right key. What is encryption and how does it work? This article explains how encryption can protect sensitive information from hackers.

In simplest terms, data encryption transforms data that is readable into coded ciphertext that can only be deciphered by authorized individuals with the correct password. It is a vital component of cyber-security which guarantees security of data and keeps confidential information from being accessed by unauthorised users.

A popular form of board computer protection software encryption utilizes cryptographic mathematical models that turn the original information into a garbled collection of characters that isn’t read (known as ciphertext). The encryption algorithm “scrambles” individual bits in a random manner so that it would take an immense amount of computing power to figure out the key and convert back to plaintext.

If you are using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), the most common encryption method, for your digital files, then each of the 0s and ones in the file is scrambled 10 times in a semi-random pattern. It would take a computer a long time to rearrange all the numbers into the proper order, without the key.

Encryption is also employed to prevent data leaks and ransomware. If a hacker steals encrypted data, they can’t read it and are unable to blackmail the company or any other individuals who are involved in the possibility of releasing stolen information on the dark web. Additionally, encryption protects backup systems from hackers as they aren’t able to access the data in its original form.