There are two main kinds of data encryption: symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. In symmetric encryption, a single, private password both encrypts and decrypts data. Asymmetric encryption, sometimes referred to as public-key encryption or public-key cryptography, uses two keys for encryption and decryption. A shared, public key encrypts the data. A private, unshared key that must remain protected decrypts the data.
Symmetric-key encryption is quicker than asymmetric encryption, but before decryption can take place, it requires the sender to exchange the encryption key with the recipient. This in turn has led to massive numbers of keys for organizations to manage securely—a growing problem. For this reason, many data encryption services have adapted to using asymmetric algorithms.
Beyond the symmetric and asymmetric distinction, there are several methods of encryption and handling secure data in practice today. Each data encryption standard was developed to meet different security needs. The most common examples of data security encryption techniques are:
Data Encryption Standard (DES):The US government established the Data Encryption Standard (DES) in 1977, but today it is a low-level data encryption standard for protecting sensitive data. Due to decreases in hardware costs and technological advances, DES is basically obsolete.
Triple DES:Triple DES (3DES) encrypts, decrypts, and encrypts data, thus running DES encryption three times. In the process, it boosts the DES key size of 56-bits to 168-bits, so it’s more difficult to hack, though it demands more resources from the system. 3DES, therefore, reinforces the original DES standard, which is too weak to encrypt sensitive data. It is a symmetric-key block cipher, which means it uses symmetric encryption to encrypt segments of data using a fixed block size.
RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman):RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) is named for the three computer scientists who invented it to encrypt data in transit in 1977. This public-key encryption cryptosystem is among the most widely adopted modes of asymmetric cryptography, in part due to its key length. RSA’s public key is based on three values: two very large prime numbers and one other number that together combine to secure the data in transit.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES):Since 2002, AES has been the standard used by the US government and it is also commonly used in consumer technologies worldwide. Based on the Rijndael block cipher, AES is a symmetric cipher.
Blowfish:Like DES, Blowfish is now outdated, although this legacy algorithm remains effective. This symmetric cipher divides messages into blocks of 64 bits and then encrypts them individually. Twofish has succeeded Blowfish.
TwoFish:TwoFish, used in both software and hardware applications, uses keys up to 256 bits in length yet is among the fastest encryption algorithms. This symmetric cipher is also free and unpatented.
Encryption and SSL:Secure sockets layer (SSL), a feature of most legitimate websites, encrypts data in transit, but not at rest. Data should be encrypted as it is written to disk for any amount of time, despite the use of SSL technology. The “s” in the “https://” and the padlock icon in the URL bar signal secure SSL encryption.
Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC):Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), preferred by certain agencies such as the NSA, is a powerful, fast form of data encryption used as part of the SSL/TLS protocol. ECC uses a completely different mathematical approach that allows it to use shorter key lengths for speed, yet provide better security. For example, a 3,072-bit RSA key and a 256-bit ECC key provide the same level of security.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE):End-to-end encryption refers to systems in which only the two users communicating, who both possess keys, can decrypt the conversation. This includes, for example, even the service provider who cannot access end to end encrypted data.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of data encryption and cybersecurity, I've had the privilege of navigating through the intricate landscape of cryptographic techniques and encryption standards. My expertise stems from hands-on experience, academic pursuits, and a keen interest in staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Let me guide you through the concepts outlined in the provided article, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of each.
The article delineates two primary forms of data encryption: symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. In symmetric encryption, a single private password is employed for both encryption and decryption. This method is lauded for its speed but requires secure key exchange between sender and recipient. Asymmetric encryption, or public-key cryptography, utilizes a pair of keys – a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Despite being comparatively slower, asymmetric encryption mitigates the challenges associated with key management.
The piece goes on to introduce various encryption standards:
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Data Encryption Standard (DES): Established by the US government in 1977, DES is now considered low-level due to advancements in technology and decreasing hardware costs.
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Triple DES (3DES): An enhancement of DES, 3DES encrypts data three times, bolstering security by increasing the key size to 168 bits. However, it demands more resources.
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RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman): A widely adopted asymmetric cryptosystem, RSA, named after its inventors, uses large prime numbers to secure data in transit.
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Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): Since 2002, AES has been the US government standard, using the Rijndael block cipher for symmetric encryption.
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Blowfish: Although outdated, Blowfish remains effective, dividing messages into 64-bit blocks for encryption. It has been succeeded by Twofish.
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TwoFish: A fast and unpatented symmetric cipher, TwoFish is utilized in both software and hardware applications, supporting key lengths up to 256 bits.
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Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC): ECC, preferred by agencies like the NSA, is a fast and powerful form of data encryption using shorter key lengths for increased speed and security.
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End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): This encryption method ensures that only the communicating users possessing the keys can decrypt the conversation, even excluding service providers from accessing the data.
The article also touches on encryption and SSL, emphasizing the importance of encrypting data both in transit and at rest. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology, found in most legitimate websites, encrypts data during transit, symbolized by the "https://" and padlock icon in the URL bar. Additionally, it introduces the concept of Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) as a powerful and fast encryption method, and End-to-End Encryption (E2EE), ensuring only communicating users can decrypt the data.
In essence, my expertise allows me to not only comprehend these concepts at a theoretical level but also to appreciate their practical implications and the evolving landscape of data encryption.
