Why you need to encrypt your data

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As human beings, we need to have shelter and protection from the harsh elements of nature; otherwise we would be in trouble. The same can be true for your private data, as your private data is under a constant threat of being stolen, whether you know it or not. This is why we need to encrypt our private data, though some people fail to understand the significance of encrypting their private data. However, in order to understand how data encryption works, we first need to understand what data encryption is. Data encryption can be described as conversion of data into a secret code. Encryption is by far the most effectual method to attain data?security. To?access an encrypted file you must remember a password?that is required for decryption. Unencrypted data is commonly referred as plain text;?encrypted data on the other hand is popularly known as?cipher text.

Now that you know what data encryption is – it?s time to understand why it?s important to utilize it for data protection. The following set of facts and examples will highlight the importance of data encryption.

Data that is considered private for individuals

Whether you know it or not, you are certain to have some sort of private files stored on your computer?s hard-drive, though it?s likely that you have neglected its security. Therefore, for you to get serious about data protection, you first need to understand what sort of data is considered private. The following is a list of commonly found documents that can lead to serious issues if left unprotected:

Tax returns: These documents contain a wealth of information on your identity, if they end up in the hands of e-criminals, your identity can easily be compromised.

Credit Card numbers: this one is a no-brainer, if you have stored credit card numbers on word processing files, then you are putting up your credit history on the line.

Someone can easily copy your credit card information and use it conduct illegal transactions.

E-statements: PDF files of bank statements stored on your computer?s hard-drive can contain a wealth of information on your identity, with such documents; crooks are able to establish your worthiness.

Creative works of arts: It is possible that you are a creative individual who specializes in inventing creative and innovative ideas and inventions, you may specialize in designing logos and art-work or you may be an innovative film producer. Therefore, leaving such data unsecured on your computer?s hard-drive can be risky.

Benefits of encrypting certain data

This is one of the most important points; as businesses should and must protect certain company related data in order avoid trouble in the future, there are plenty of useful software that are designed to encrypt data, though the highest rated encryption software which outperforms the rest is Folder Lock. The following facts highlight the benefits of encrypting data:

Averted lawsuits: If you have encrypted client data, it?s likely that you won?t be facing any lawsuits related to breach of privacy, as identity theft is the fastest growing crime in North America and Europe.

Beating the competition: Your Company?s marketing secrets, or financial records can provide a wealth of information to your competitors, if you have such data encrypted, it?s guaranteed not to leak.

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