How Does Network Encryption Work?

Network encryption is the process of encrypting data which is transferred from one device or server to another. This is completed through encoding data which is transmitted whilst it is travelling from server to server. It is similar to end to end encryption, however the data will not be encrypted at either end.

Network encryption only encrypts data whilst it is travelling. At either end of the server, the information which is going to be or has been transmitted will not be decoded, meaning that anyone can access it easily.

Encryption and decryption keys will therefore be in place at either end to ensure that information is received in the form that it was originally sent in.

 

 

How Does Network Encryption Work?

 

Network encryption works through protecting data whilst it is being transmitted over communications networks. The Secure Sockets Layer, usually referred to as an SSL, is the default mechanism which ensures network data protection.

The Open Systems Interface (OSI) is where the network encryption usually operates. Multiple encryption algorithms may be used in order to ensure that the data transmitted between one node and another cannot be decoded easily. With network encryption, data should always be encrypted automatically at the source.

If this is not the case, data may be accessed whilst it is in transit between servers. Simple processes such as sending an email with attachments should require network encryption, and both the sender and receiver will probably be unaware that encryption has ever taken place. This is because they would only be able to access the email with the attachments in the original form, meaning that the message is conveyed safely with no alterations made.

Customers will have increased levels of security online for Internet communication, with some organisations also adding additional protection for their VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), corporate backbone networks and internal networks. This will be carried out through network level encryption.

In addition to this, network level data encryption is deemed to be fairly low level protection in comparison to other security options available. It appears to be a simple instrument which is almost oblivious to the value of data transmitted.

Encrypting data as it is transmitted over a network should only be a small part of what is a much larger comprehensive strategy for network data encryption. Organisations attempting to increase their security measures must also take into consideration the risks of not encrypting data at either end of the connection. Network encryption can also be a costly process and there may be vulnerabilities with the system, meaning that other aspects of protection should be incorporated to ensure data is not easily accessible when being transmitted between devices or accounts.

What Is a VPN?

 

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN provider works by transmitting all data which comes from one device through one or more alternative servers, where the information will be encrypted. This means that third parties will be unable to access the information and it should remain secure.

VPNs will also provide users with an alternative IP address. As IP addresses usually reveal a user’s location when they stream or access content online, having an alternative one means that users may be able to access content which is usually geo-blocked.

It is advised to use a VPN when using the internet, transmitting files or documents or sending messages which contain sensitive information to ensure that the content cannot be accessed by attackers. They may use any data they find to impersonate a user online, gaining access to bank accounts or online profiles. This can consequently make it very difficult for a user to regain access.

 

 

Are There Disadvantages To Network Encryption?

 

There are disadvantages to using network encryption, the main one being that encrypting data can cause a process to take longer than it usually should. As a consequence, many organisations will only use network encryption when transmitting sensitive information, however others will use it all of the time. Even when it is only applied to some specific data, the use of network encryption can cause delays.

In addition to this, using network encryption for a high volume of data can increase the risk of not noticing when an attacker has gained access to encrypted files and is able to access information. Consequently, organisations using network encryption are advised to make regular checks on their SSL and TSL traffic, encrypting and decrypting the information.

In spite of this, the disadvantages associated with network encryption should be a small price to pay for increased security measures being in place. Provided that an organisation regularly monitors the activity related to all network encryption, users should be provided with increased protection. Delays associated with network encryption may only be noticeable on some occasions or even not at all, however if the delay is longer than expected it may be possible to contact the provider to see the rate of encryption can be increased at all.