{"id":516131,"date":"2024-06-05T16:18:08","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T20:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commvault.com\/?post_type=cmv_glossary&p=516131"},"modified":"2024-06-05T16:18:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T20:18:09","slug":"data-encryption","status":"publish","type":"cmv_glossary","link":"https:\/\/www.commvault.com\/glossary-library\/data-encryption","title":{"rendered":"Data Encryption"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Data encryption is a type of security process that converts data from a readable format called plaintext into an encoded, unreadable form called ciphertext.

Encryption effectively scrambles usable data into a unique, random string of bits \u2013 rendering it undecipherable.

Decrypting data  requires access to a private encryption key, which decodes and unscrambles the encrypted dataset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is encryption?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Encryption is a security measure that transforms readable data (data in the clear) into an unreadable format using a unique (and private) encryption key. encryption renders business data unreadable and of no value to cybercriminals who do not have access to the key used to encrypt the data.

Organizations that rely on plaintext format when storing or transmitting data have an increased risk of valuable business data and assets becoming compromised or falling into the wrong hands. Another danger that accompanies data theft is the possibility of public exposure of the victim\u2019s private data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encryption provides an extra layer of security and helps organizations insulate their data, wherever it lives. Data protection solutions offer advanced encryption for both data at rest and in flight. In addition to encryption, cloud-based solutions can also isolate data copies in air-gapped, immutable locations. This ensures that data backups are unreadable and housed in immutable locations outside an organization\u2019s network \u2013 keeping them out of reach from bad actors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is encryption, and how does it work?
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On the surface, encryption is a simple approach to a complex problem, and is an essential element in data protection and disaster recovery. Encryption adds a necessary layer of protection by rendering value business information unreadable, unless unlocked with a proper encryption key. Without access to this unique encryption key, unauthorized parties who gain access to data have no way of deciphering or exploiting your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main aspects of encryption include,<\/p>\n\n\n\n