Encryption refers to the process where files and messages are encoded to secure their contents. No one can understand an encrypted message without first decoding it. Only the person who has the key to decode it can get access to the file or the message. When this key is used, the gibberish look of the encrypted data is converted into real text. Considering the online threats like hacking and identity theft, if you are using Internet to share crucial information with others, you are strongly recommended to first encrypt the data in order to ensure privacy and prevent it from getting hacked. Even if someone succeeds in stealing an encrypted file, they will not be able to misuse it unless they also steal the key to decode the actual content of that file.

Encrypting An Entire File

When a third party or first party software solution is used to encrypt an entire file, the process is commonly referred to as whole file encryption. The software uses a complicated algorithm to rearrange the content of the file in a way that makes the data unreadable. The program however also provides a key to decrypt the data. The access to key is restricted to authorized people only. The level of security depends much on the complexity of the algorithm used for this purpose. The more complex the algorithm is, the more difficult it will be for anybody to break it without a valid key. Some of the most common types of encryption include 256-bit, 128-bit, 64-bit, and 32-bit.

Client Side Encrypting

Client side encrypting method is used to protect data on computers that are connected to a server through networking. You can use the server to encrypt files and data on computers that are connected to it. When data is transferred from a client computer to the server, there is a risk of the data being intercepted before it reaches the server. This method ensures a secure transfer. You can customize the settings of the server to accommodate your specific needs. For example, you can set the options in a way that allows decryption of the information as soon as the data transfer is successfully complete. You may also like to set the encryption options in a way that allows the decryption only after the data is further transferred to another client computer.

File Encrypting Vs Client Side Encrypting

There is a world of difference between client-side encrypting and whole file encrypting. The method of encrypting server ensures the safe transfer of data, but when you encrypt an entire file, it is just a general security feature.

The Process Of Decrypting An Encrypted Data

In order to decrypt an encrypted data, you will need the original algorithm that was used for the file encryption. However, when a software program is used to encrypt files and data, you will need the same program for decryption as well. The software can automatically decrypt the encrypted data or it may require you to enter a specific key to allow the decryption.

Overall, encryption ensures optimum security of electronic information, especially when you are sharing it over Internet or over a network of computers with others.