Encryption is a cheap, fast, and easy way to keep your stuff safe from cyber intruders. A safe keeps physical valuables safe if there's a break-in, and encryption protects your most valuable information from data thieves.

Different Data Encryption Methods

There are many data encryption types and techniques to choose from, but many are only suited to trained professionals and experienced cryptographers. Chances are, you are neither. That limits this section, but there are still a few important features to learn. We'll start with symmetrical and asymmetrical keys. Symmetrical keys work at both ends of encryption. The same key allows you to encrypt and decrypt. Asymmetrical keys only work at one end of the cycle. You need one key to encrypt data, and you need a second key to decrypt it. Although symmetrical keys are great and very effective, it's easy to see why asymmetrical keys may be the safer choice. However, not all encryption programs give you these options, so be sure to check available features before downloading. Most encryption software also allows keepass download .

You can encrypt specific passages in a document, and then encrypt the document itself. If you're especially concerned about the data in question, you can also encrypt the file. Layering is a technique that focuses on specific data sets rather than your system as a whole. It's also possible to encrypt your entire disk. This step scrambles all the data on your computer, so the entire device is secured.