What is encryption?

The practice of keeping sensitive information safe with codes and ciphers goes way back—thousands of years, in fact. These days, encryption is used to safeguard digital data as it’s sent, received, or stored, and it has become a useful skill.

In simple terms, encryption is all about hiding your data so that only people with the right key can read it. It’s important to understand encryption, especially if you’re running your own website or designing and developing sites and apps for clients.

This blog will break down encryption and its functionality, equipping you with the knowledge to better protect your business.

Different Ways to Keep Your Data Safe with Encryption

When it comes to encrypting data, there are a few different options to choose from. Essentially, algorithms or ciphers can scramble your data. The good news is, you don’t have to choose just one – you can pick the method that best fits your needs.

To encrypt your data, you’re going to need a key to do the encrypting. There are two main types: symmetric and asymmetric. 

The sender and receiver share a single secret key—similar to a password—for symmetric encryption. It’s super fast, but if someone gets the key into the wrong hands, they compromise the whole thing.

Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, uses a pair of keys: a public key to encrypt the data and a private key to decrypt it. It’s a bit slower, but way more secure.

So, which one should you use? Well, that depends on a few factors. How sensitive is the information you’re sharing? Is it a big file or a small one? Are you sending it via email or using FTP? And what encryption standards is the receiver using? The answers to these questions will help you choose the right encryption method for the job.

Here’s When You Might Need Encryption

Here’s some of the popular encryption standards you might want to be aware of and when it’s a good idea to use them.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

First is AES, or the Advanced Encryption Standard. One of the most widely used file encryption methods globally is this. AES is a symmetric block cipher, which is great for keeping sensitive data secure, especially when you’re sharing it within trusted networks or storing it in big databases. If you’re sending something like your new product catalog or a ZIP file that isn’t super sensitive, AES is a solid option.

Pretty Good Privacy (Open PGP)

Then there’s Open PGP, which stands for Pretty Good Privacy. This method combines a symmetric key for encryption and an asymmetric key for decryption. The cool thing about Open PGP is that the private keys can also confirm who sent the message, adding an extra layer of security, especially when you’re sharing sensitive info, like payroll details, with your bank.

Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)

SFTP, short for Secure File Transfer Protocol, operates over a secure connection and uses public key encryption along with password protection. People commonly use it for transferring files between servers, such as when sharing information with healthcare providers.

File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS)

Next, we have FTPS, or File Transfer Protocol Secure. This one uses two separate data connections. It employs a public key for encryption, a public key certificate to confirm authenticity, and a private key to decrypt the data. This makes FTPS a go-to option for legal, government, and financial institutions that need to securely transfer files.

Secure Mail

If you’re concerned about protecting personal info in emails, consider using Secure Mail as your best bet. It uses asymmetric encryption to safeguard identifiable information, like business secrets or account numbers.

AS2 and AS4 (Applicability Standard 2 and 4)

AS2 and AS4 (Applicability Standard 2 and 4) operate using digital certificates along with various encryption standards. With these, you can request notifications to confirm that the recipient received and decrypted your message—essentially providing you with legal proof that you sent and that they received it. Companies often use them for electronic data interchange (EDI) transfers, like invoices or purchase orders.

This article provides an overview of the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) and highlights the differences between SHA-1 and SHA-2.

WordPress Salt Keys

Finally, for web designers and developers using WordPress, there are WordPress Salt Keys. These keys help secure your login info by encrypting your password into a series of random characters, making it tough for hackers to guess. This means you don’t have to enter your login info every time, but it’s nice to have some extra security in place.

So, there you have it—a handy rundown of some key encryption standards and when to use them.

Why Should We Care About Data Encryption?

So, let’s talk about online security. Any business with a website or application needs to have robust security measures in place. We’re not just talking about protecting their own data, but also their customers’. 

Consider this: when a business gets hacked, it not only risks losing sensitive information but also faces the possibility of reputational damage, fines, and even sanctions from regulatory bodies. And let’s be real, data breaches can be a total nightmare for companies. 

But here’s the thing – if businesses build security into their products from the ground up, they can avoid a lot of headaches down the line. They need to consider compliance regulations from the start, like including encryption in their design and development process. This way, they can avoid fines and sanctions, and show their customers that they’re serious about protecting their data.

And let’s not forget about customers. They want to know that their data is safe with a company, and they’re more likely to trust businesses that have a strong emphasis on security. So, by prioritizing encryption, businesses can gain a competitive edge and attract more customers.

Ultimately, online security is all about building trust with customers and avoiding the risks associated with data breaches. By getting it right from the start, businesses can protect their reputation, save money, and stay ahead of the competition.

Check out our blog to know what features you need for a secure website.

How Can You Tell If A Website is Safe?

Here are a few quick and easy ways to spot if a website is secure:

1. Take a look at the URL. If you see “HTTPS” with an “S” at the end, that’s a good sign! This means that a secure sockets layer (SSL) safely encrypts the connection between your browser and the website. Plus, there’s usually a little padlock icon next to the URL in your browser’s address bar, so keep an eye out for that.
2. Be smart about the domain. Scammers can be pretty sneaky, often creating website addresses that look just like the real deal. For instance, they might swap the letter “o” for a zero, making “micr0soft” look super convincing. Always double-check that you’re on the official site before entering any info.
3. Look for signs of credibility, too. When you visit a new website, check if they have a privacy policy, contact details, and active social media links. If you don’t see these things, that could be a red flag that the site isn’t secure.
4. Keep an eye out for trust seals. Many online shops display these seals to show they’ve been verified by a third party. If you click on it, it should lead to a verification page. If it doesn’t, that could suggest the site isn’t as trustworthy as it appears.
5. Don’t forget to check for malware! Weak security can lead to infections in websites. If you encounter suspicious pop-ups, terrible spelling or grammar, or an unprofessional design, those may be signs of trouble. A handy trick to check for malware is to search Google with the phrase “site:yourwebsite.com.” This will help you find any SEO spam linked to your site.

Protect Your Brand Digitally with Encryption

When it comes to online security, getting SSL website encryption is crucial. It’s essential for anyone running a business online, which is why developers and web designers take it seriously. Protect your website, your customers’ data, and your projects with an SSL certificate from GoDaddy—it encrypts information during transmission and helps build trust in your brand.

So, if you’re looking for the right SSL certificate to safeguard your site or your projects, now you know where to start. And if you are in search of a more holistic solution for your web security needs, consider leveraging GoDaddy’s website security to protect your whole website and it’s visitors.

For additional help with SSL certificates and encryption set up, please visit our Help Center.