Data encryption is the process of converting information into a form that can only be accessible to authorized persons. Anyone who is not authorized will not have access to such information. the data is scrambled into ciphertext such that it becomes unreadable to anyone without the decryption key or right password. you can encrypt stored data or transmitted data through these methods;

• Symmetric encryption: here the same key used for encrypting data is also used to decrypt it. this means that the only authorized persons can access, read or even decrypt and re-encrypt such data.

• Asymmetric encryption: here two mathematically relative keys are used, the public keys for encryption and corresponding but separate private keys for decryption. here only those with the private key can have access to this information.

I will quickly show you how to do simple encryption of some of your data on your computer using the windows Encrypting File Sysytem (EFS) to encrypt a folder containing any vital information, do this;

• 1. Right-click on the folder
• 1. Click on properties
• 1. Click on advance
• 1. Thick the encrypt content box
• 1. Click on okay

The encrypted folder will be shown in green and won't be accessible to an unauthorised persons wanting to access your system.

However, Data encryption can also be used against you by cybercriminals. they can gain access to your data, encrypt it and demand for ransome from you before giving you the key to decript it and regain access.

BE CYBER AWARE!