When using platforms and/or consuming their services, it's common to encounter messages stating that our information is being encrypted. Many companies adopt encryption practices on their digital platforms – where customer data is collected. So, what exactly is encryption, who has access to it, and how does it work?
Cryptography, in short, is a set of techniques and protocol structures used to prevent "third parties"—uninvolved and unwanted individuals—from accessing private messages. The word "crypto," in Greek, means "secret."
How did data encryption come about?
Historically, cryptography is not exclusive to the internet, although its development of techniques has been intensified by specialized digital security software. Cryptographic methods have been observed since World War II. At that time, the German "Enigma" machine was created, which was used to encrypt and decrypt war codes throughout Europe.
Even though they are from different eras, the goal is the same: to keep information secure. For the digital securityHaving a data encryption system means having a mechanism that constantly seeks to eliminate the chances of any third party accessing the data. This is done through data conversion, going from a readable format to an encrypted one. After being encrypted, the data can only be readable again after undergoing the reverse process: decryption.
Cryptography and cryptocurrency
It is important to highlight the role of cryptography in digital environments, as well as data encryption. One example is cryptocurrency. Cryptography, as the name suggests, is also used in cryptocurrencies, the so-called digital currencies, to ensure that transfers occur securely, without fraud or risk of cyberattacks. Bitcoin, for example, uses a technology involving public and private keys.
Common methods of encryption:
Symmetrical keySymmetric cryptography uses a single private key, which is shared between the sender (the one who sends the message) and the recipient of the content, the one who receives the encrypted message. The same key is used for both encoding and decoding. This method is faster. However, sharing the symmetric key uniquely carries a higher risk compared to asymmetric cryptography, such as Bitcoin.
An example of a symmetric key is sending a message via email. Let's consider a situation where person X wants to send a message to person Y. After person X sends the message, person Y tries to open it. They will then be asked for a key; after entering it, the message will be decrypted, and the message can be read in its pre-encryption process.
If the key is compromised and discovered by unwanted individuals, it is possible to replace it with a new symmetric key.
Asymmetrical keyHere, two keys are used. One is public and the other is private. The public key is for encryption and the private key for decryption. Because they are not identical, the term "asymmetric" arises. In other words, data and/or messages encrypted using a public key can only be decrypted with the private key.
Final conclusions
Therefore, with this type of technology, adopted by major digital platforms, the probability of a data breach is less likely; only the sender and receiver will be able to access it. Theoretically, no one else will have access. Similarly, having such a system provides a competitive advantage when it comes to website optimization.
Recent data collected by digital platforms—passwords, payment methods, CPF numbers (Brazilian tax identification numbers), other personal information that grants access to systems, among other shared data—should all be kept encrypted, as is currently being implemented. This way, hackers who are constantly searching for this type of information, especially on websites involving financial matters, would face a greater barrier.
