Cryptography In Computer Science
Learn how encryption can be used by cybersecurity professionals to prevent attacks and data breaches.
Today, encryption is about the study of secure communication techniques that allow only the sender and recipient to view their content.
Table of Contents
What is encryption?
The etymology is “kryptos” which means “hidden” in Greek. It is closely related to the act of encoding text called cipher text and returning it to the original text. As well?
Encryption covers information using techniques such as merging. For example, when transmitting electronic data, the most common use we have of encryption is in emails. The simplest method is to use the common key method or the private key method. Here, the data is encrypted with the private key and the encrypted message is sent to the recipient for decryption.
The problem? If the message is intercepted, a third party will have everything they need to decrypt and read the message. But to solve this problem, professionals have developed the asymmetric or “public key” system. In this case, each user has two keys: one public and one private. Senders request the intended recipient’s public key, encrypt the message, and send it.
Thus, even ordinary users should always encrypt every message they send, preferably using a form of public-key encryption. its a smart way to encrypt important confidential files, from family photos to corporate data such as personal records and accounting history.
For this, it is always important to look for a security solution that includes strong encryption algorithms along with an easy-to-use interface. This helps ensure regular use of encryption functions and prevents data loss, even if a mobile device, hard drive or storage medium falls into hand.
The importance of modern cryptography
Today, cryptography is concerned with:
confidentiality
The information cannot be understood by anyone.
Integrity
Information cannot be changed.
irrefutability
The sender cannot deny its intentions in transmitting the information at a later stage.
Authentication
In this sender and receiver confirm each encryption used in many different applications, such as bank cards, computer passwords and e-commerce.
In addition, there are three types of cryptographic techniques used in general, which are:
- Symmetric key encryption
- hash functions
- public key encryption
Cryptography in computer science
In cybersecurity, cryptography is associated with mathematical concepts and secure information and communication technologies derived from a set of rule-based calculations (algorithms) that transform messages into forms that are difficult to decipher
in cyber world algorithms are used for confidential communications, such as cryptographic key generation, digital signatures, validation to protect data privacy, Internet browsing, and credit card and e-mail and online transactions.
encryption techniques
In the computer-centric world, encryption is now associated with encoding plain (unencrypted) text into ciphertext.
cryptographic algorithms
Cryptographic systems use a series of procedures called cryptographic algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data to protect files from hackers, iots, smartphones and applications can be protected.
Some suites use algorithms in encryption, algorithms in message authentication and algorithms in key exchange.
This process is integrated into the protocol and is written in software that runs on operating systems (and networked computer systems), with public and private keys, message authentication and keys for data encryption/decryption. It includes digital signature generation and verification for exchange.
In this way, attackers can even bypass encryption, however, it makes it more difficult to access messages and data protected by algorithms. Growing concerns about the need to break cryptographic standards are leading to constantly upgrading to new public key standards.
Now you know the importance and why encryption is still relevant. You can also consider that for its use, the main reasons can include, without a shadow of a doubt, the following:
1. Protection of ATM (email) information
The frequent sending of personal information such as RG, CPF, bank details, credit card number, company accounting data, makes encryption an ally in security.
2. Protection of data stored in the cloud
Today, replacing the hard disk with the cloud has become more practical and takes up less space, isn’t it? However, the use of platforms such as OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox are also exposed to attackers. Data encryption services such as SpiderOak, TeamDrive, Tresorit and Mega can be used.
3. Protection of files from unauthorized access
Protecting your mobile devices (in case of loss or theft) can also be used remotely. Personal data and important information can be done without the despair of blocking all access. If they are encrypted, it is possible to prevent any intrusion of content.
4. Protection of browsing data
Exposure to Wi-Fi (even private) makes intercepting easier. One of the most used means to encrypt data is the HTTPS protocol (security certificate), although it is not fully guaranteed, but has minimized risks.
The best form of security, in this case, is encrypted browsing, that is, the use of virtual private network (VPN) or Tor, which generate encrypted connection “tunnels” for browsing without being monitored.
Thus, we have seen that the importance and use of cryptography in computer science follows the technological evolution, before coming out of mathematical algorithms and today it is at the forefront of our daily use.
It is an extra layer of security against the risks of attacks, intrusions and leakage of important data.
