Data has become nothing less than an asset for individuals and organizations. In 2024, we generate almost 147 zettabytes of data a day. It defines how important it has become in our daily routine.
Alongside generating data, protecting it is also essential to safeguard user privacy. Data encryption is a technique that protects data with specific codes that users have previously set. Therefore, only people with the code can access the datasets.
This blog shall revolve around data encryption and its importance. Moreover, it will include top data encryption software that are best at encrypting confidential data with codes.
What is data encryption?
Data encryption is a security methodology that protects data with codes and keys that the users predefine. It controls data accessibility by authenticating users with security code distribution. There are various data encryption software that assist companies in protecting their valuable datasets.
Primarily, the data creator encrypts or locks their file with a secret code. The receiver receives the data in an encrypted version that they need to decrypt with a code. The encryption and decryption codes can either be similar or different. There are two types of encryptions including:
Symmetric encryption: It promotes having the same code for encryption and decryption purposes. The data creator or sender and the receiver use the same code to encrypt and decrypt the files.
Asymmetric encryption: It refers to having separate codes for encryption and decryption purposes. The creator and sender of the data encrypt it with a code; on the other hand, the receiver shall have a different code to decrypt the file.
Why is data encryption important?
Data encryption restricts illegal data access, changes, modifications, and theft. It can play the role of a key component in limiting increasing cyber-attacks. Moreover, it can also be very beneficial for identity and access management (IAM), which companies often practice with data encryption software while safeguarding their data.
Individuals with authentication can only access specific datasets. This decreases the chances of internal threats in enterprises as well. Furthermore, the code remains secret to the users, so even if external attacks occur, criminals cannot access the data in files.
Additionally, it supports offering data protection while storing, managing, and distributing. Remote work culture has observed progression lately, where organizations usually store their data in cloud storage. Data encryption can be highly advantageous for such processing.
What is a data encryption software?
Data encryption software are the tools or applications that users often utilize to lock or encrypt their data. Such tools enable codes for datasets that are at rest or to be distributed among multiple users. There are various data encryption applications that users can install and safeguard their data with them.
These tools are mostly free of cost, yet a few have considerable pricing structures. Below are a few software for reference:
Top Data Encryption software:
AxCrypt:
This encryption tool is best for individuals and small businesses. Alongside an intuitive interface, it can automatically update data that users have encrypted. People can run this tool on multiple systems, such as Android, Windows, and macOS. To protect data, AxCrypt utilizes various cryptographic algorithms that intruders cannot surpass.
This tool charges monthly $3.75 for individual users.
Nordlocker:
The prominent online VPN-providing firm NordVPN introduced this data encryption software. It automatically creates backups of the encrypted datasets in the users' cloud storage. This tool depends on end-to-end encryption methods to secure user data from unlawful access. It has a yearly pricing model of $12.
BitLocker:
This tool not only encrypts a small number of datasets but also can lock an entire hard disc with a specific code. However, it is only compatible with Windows devices. Bitlocker leverages the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which people consider very reliable for protecting data. It is a free software to use.
Veracrypt:
Truecrypt, a superior data encryption software, introduced its latest tool, Veracrypt, with up-to-date features to safeguard datasets. It is compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows devices. The encryption process is automatic here and has no time limitations. It charges nothing to use.
Concluding Remarks!
Securing data is a priority for individuals and organizations to restrict intruders from invading their confidential databases. Check out the data encryption software we have mentioned above to get started with data locking methods. Read our articles to elevate your comprehension of cybersecurity.
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