What do you know about data encryption and decryption? Whatever it is, it might not be fully right. There are myths circulating about this topic, myths which can actually hurt your business. We’ve identified five of them, and explain why they’re wrong.
Myth #1: Data Encryption Slows Everything Down
The origin of this myth dates from when computer processors were less powerful. Data encryption would make them slower, because it was yet another process they had to run. At the enterprise level, encryption created measurable bottlenecks across networks. As a result, people began to believe that data encryption negatively affected performance.
Today, computer processors are much faster. They can handle encryption so efficiently that users barely even notice the process is taking place.
Myth #2: Data Encryption Just Creates Headaches for IT
This is another myth with historical origins. Old-fashioned encryption solutions have complex password reset mechanisms, force IT administrators to shut down all security when provisioning and require them to specify device users in advance, which makes deploying the solution more difficult for them.
However, a modern encryption solution allows IT administrators to manage encrypted endpoints in the same way they do unencrypted endpoints, as long as they are connected to a network. This ability reduces the total cost of ownership.
Myth #3: Enterprise Encryption Solutions Cost Too Much
There’s a myth that data encryption and decryption systems will cost a company too much money. Business leaders only believe this erroneous assumption because they haven’t considered how much a security breach would impact the bottom line.
Losing a device such as a laptop has greater consequences than the need to replace a computer. A firm could lose intellectual property if the data wasn’t properly secured. And what if a hacker succeeds in stealing information? There are high legal costs and regulatory penalties a business would have to pay as a result. In the long run, spending the money on a data encryption and decryption solution is far cheaper.
Myth #4: There’s No Reason to Encrypt Data
This belief is born out of ignorance. Information is one of a business’ most important assets. Encrypting it is by far the most effective security measure you can take to protect it. As with the previous myth, saving a little money on not deploying a decryption solution will cost you more in the future.
Furthermore, not encrypting certain kinds of data violates local, state and federal regulations. For example, health records and financial information must be encrypted. If the data is not encrypted, the organization can face hefty fines.
Myth #5: There’s No Need to Encrypt Data on Mobile Devices
Yet again, ignorance is at play here. Mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones transmit information just as desktop computers do. That means that data in transit is just as vulnerable. If a mobile device is lost or stolen, a criminal can steal intellectual property or other sensitive information.
Select a data encryption and decryption solution that accommodates all of your company’s diverse devices and operating systems. The choice not to encrypt could be very expensive.
Who can you trust for data encryption solutions?
Since 1997, WinMagic has provided encryption solutions to meet the high standards of governments and the enterprise. WinMagic’s SecureDoc has been winning awards since 2002. If you are interested in learning how data encryption will keep your sensitive corporate information safe, call WinMagic today at 1-888-879-5879.
