Have you ever heard the term “media encryption,” and wondered what it meant? Or, perhaps you know what it means, but you don’t think it applies to you. Read on to learn the definition for media encryption and why it’s necessary for everyone to use.

Media Encryption: A Definition

The term “media encryption” is composed of two words: media and encryption. In order to understand the term, it’s important to know what both components mean.

In this case, “media” refers to the way something is stored digitally. This includes USB sticks, cloud storage and hard drives. “Encryption” means that something has been translated into unbreakable code. Thus, “media encryption” involves encrypting digital information.

Why Does It Matter?

Now that you know what media encryption is, you’re probably asking, “Okay, so what’s the big deal?”

As it turns out, media encryption is a very big deal indeed. Encryption is one of the best ways to protect your data.

Why is encryption so safe? When information is encrypted, no one else can read it unless they know how to break the code. So, if you have confidential information, such as customers’ personal identification numbers, no one can do anything with them.

Who Uses Media Encryption?

Governments, the armed forces and espionage agencies were the first to utilize encryption to keep secrets safe as they traveled across networks such as the precursor to the Internet. However, businesses realized that they could benefit from this form of information protection, too.

Nowadays, consumers use encryption as well. And they’re not just encrypting information to be sent over the Internet; encryption protects data across many types of networks.

Do You Have to Use Media Encryption?

In the wake of massive data breaches, many jurisdictions have enacted laws mandating data encryption. So, if your business isn’t using it, you could face harsh penalties.

These regulations safeguard particular kinds of digital information. Data relating to health, finances and private individual data (such as personal identification numbers) must be encrypted.

WinMagic: Your Source for Removable Media Encryption

Are you seeking a reliable, award-winning removable encryption program? Contact WinMagic today at 1-888-879-5879. WinMagic has been creating some of the highest quality encryption solutions on the market. We won our first award in 2002.

Most recently, CATAAlliance chose WinMagic to receive the 2015 Outstanding Product Achievement Award. If awards and experience don’t mean anything to you, just talk to any one of our five million satisfied customers in over 80 countries. Call WinMagic now to learn more.