A hacker can still access the computer over an insecure network connection, or a user can click a malicious link in an email and infect the computer with malware that steals usernames and passwords. The thief doesn’t even need to know the password to access the files it’s easy to boot a computer from a USB thumb drive and then access the disks within the computer.ĭisk encryption doesn’t protect a computer entirely. If a laptop is lost or stolen and the files or disk aren’t encrypted, the thief can easily access the information, so it’s a good practice to encrypt your sensitive data, if not your entire hard drive. An organization can be sued if a computer containing PII is stolen and the information is leaked or shared.

All organizations that collect personally identifiable information (PII) like names, birthdates, Social Security numbers and financial information must secure that data. The purpose of file and disk encryption is to protect data stored on a computer or network storage system. You can encrypt individual files, folders, volumes or entire disks within a computer, as well as USB flash drives and files stored in the cloud. At a basic level, encryption is the process of scrambling text (called ciphertext) to render it unreadable to unauthorized users. This article is for small business owners looking to fully encrypt all their data.Įncryption is a difficult concept to grasp, but it’s a necessary part of protecting your business’s sensitive data.

You should also create memorable but complex passwords and use WPA3 Wi-Fi and a VPN. For top encryption, you should back up your data and keep track of your encryption keys.You can obtain it through built-in programs or third-party vendors. Full-disk encryption may be the best solution for your small business.

Encryption protects the data on your computer and networks, reducing the chances your business will suffer data breaches.

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