Encryption is one of the most useful things included in any PC security suite. Today people can use one of a number of different encryption options for their PC security needs. Depending on what kind of computer you have – as well as what kind of files you’re protecting – you can choose any of these methods in order to protect your files from unwanted eyes.
The most important thing to know about these encryption methods is that they all work with different bit ratings. A higher bit rating means that more characters are used to encrypt vital data as it is being transmitted from one source to another. When a file is protected with a higher bit rate, it takes up more space on your hard drive. However, at the same time, a higher bit rate provides an added level of security.
DES Encryption
DES, or Data Encryption Standard, is the main form of encryption used in most computers. This PC security standard has been around for nearly forty years. DES uses 192 bits at once in order to encrypt your files and keep them protected.
The 192 bit system works with a simple algorithm that helps keep your data private. In order to de-crypt the encryption, a reverse algorithm is used to decode the 192 bit code.
Different DES standards can be used for different functions. For example, you may need to use a triple DES procedure, where the first encryption procedure will be encrypted and that second procedure will be encrypted again. This can be used to lock your files up as tightly as possible.
Blowfish encryption
The Blowfish standard is another option for your PC security needs. Unlike DES encryption, which works with 192 bits, Blowfish uses a startling 448 bits of encryption. Blowfish is commonly seen on protected websites and is a free encryption method that anybody can use.
Serpent encryption
Serpent is an encryption method that is fairly similar to DES. However, Serpent is different from other encryption procedures in that the algorithm it uses is slightly smaller. Therefore, it is faster to use and easier to add to any website. In most cases, Serpent uses a 256 bit encryption method, which makes it lightweight enough for any computer to handle.
Skipjack encryption
Finally, we come to Skipjack encryption, which works by having sensitive pieces of data encrypted with the same algorithm that the NSA (National Security Agency) uses. This has been heralded as being one of the strongest encryption options around, making it next to impossible for anybody to access some of the world’s most sensitive files.
The bottom line
If you want to keep your files as safe and secure as possible, then you don’t need to use the same level of encryption that the NSA uses. Instead, try something like Blowfish encryption, which is next to impossible for hackers to get into but is lightweight enough for your computer to handle. Using encryption methods like the ones listed above can help protect your most sensitive documents from falling into the wrong hands.
