Guide to Encryption

Encryption is a key Cyber Security concept, especially after new GDPR laws, it is now one of the most important Cyber topics. But do we actually know what is encryption?

Well, encryption is a process in which information is made unavailable to third parties, for example, when devices are communicating using an encrypted app they are transmitting secret codes rather than plain text, which nobody outside the communicating devices would be able to read.  

Source: Martin Kleppmann’s personal blog

So the basic rule is that encryption just scrambles the data; the number of “bits” in encryption tells you the number of possible binaries combinations: the bigger the number of bits, the harder it is to decrypt. For example, a 256-bit encryption would be really difficult to crack.

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So, Why use encryption?

It’s simple really, apps with end-to-end encryption can’t be spied on by Government, brands or any other entity, encryption allows only the sender and receiver to see the real message.

The iPhone, for example, has a standard encryption of 256-bit, this is the same standard used by the US military. Let’s hope that means iPhoners’ information is safe!

What is encrypted and what not?

Did you know that many apps we use daily are not encrypted? For example it has come to light that companies such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts and Kik are currently not encrypted. You might be wondering what effect this has on you (Who is reading your Messenger chats? Is someone watching all you say online? etc).

Currently apps such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Viber, Line, Telegram, Kakao Talk, Signal, Threema and many more are encrypted. It is always suggested to use encrypted apps over unencrypted ones. 

How To Encrypt your devices

We hope your enjoyed, if you have any questions or anything to add, please write them below! We are always keen on learning!