What does encryption do for me?

Encryption and cryptographic software has been used in many different ways to make systems more secure.  This article discusses only a few ways that such software can make your system more secure, including:

1) Encrypting your email

2) Encrypting your files

To programs are mentioned that will help encrypt information. There are many more programs out there that will help, but these programs are good and a good place to start as any. They have the added benefit of both being free with source code available.

Will encryption stop people from accessing my information?

Encryption simply makes it harder for people to gain access to important information, like passwords or sensitive information in a file. The first thing you should know about encryption is that the algorithm that is used to encrypt can be simple or more complex and that affects how securely what you have encrypted is protected.  Encryption systems have been broken when the method of encryption is understood by hackers and is easy to break.

The main concerns now are privacy, unauthorized changes and confirmation of claims of authenticity.

Privacy means that your information cannot be accessed by unauthorized parties.

Unauthorized changes changes to your data base and other resources by hackers.

Authenticity, is that a user is who he says he is.

For the everyday internet user, the main concern is privacy. Users seem to give out very private information, such as credit cards, home address, email address and phone numbers, with-out a second thought. Information from these sources can be linked together to create a profile that can be passed on to third parties.

It is extremely important how you give out information, so be very careful and check before you release your private details. Security begins with you.