Encryption

Encryption is a fundamental technology for protecting your digital information. This guide explains how encryption works and how you can use it to secure your data, communications, and devices.

Understanding Encryption

Encryption is the process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It transforms readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) that can only be deciphered with the correct key.

How Encryption Works

At its core, encryption uses mathematical algorithms to scramble data. The two main types of encryption are:

  • Symmetric encryption: Uses the same key for both encryption and decryption
  • Asymmetric encryption: Uses a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption

Common Encryption Terms

  • End-to-end encryption (E2EE): Data is encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device
  • Transport Layer Security (TLS): Secures data in transit between clients and servers
  • Key: The secret information used to encrypt and decrypt data
  • Cipher: The algorithm used for encryption and decryption
  • Cryptographic hash: One-way function that creates a fixed-size output from variable-size input

Device Encryption

Encrypting your devices protects your data if they're lost or stolen.

Full-Disk Encryption

Full-disk encryption protects all data on your device by encrypting the entire storage drive:

  • Windows: BitLocker (Pro/Enterprise editions) or VeraCrypt (free alternative)
  • macOS: FileVault
  • Linux: LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup)
  • Android: Built-in encryption (enabled by default on newer devices)
  • iOS: Built-in encryption (enabled automatically with passcode)

Enabling Device Encryption

Windows BitLocker

  1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption
  2. Select "Turn on BitLocker" next to your drive
  3. Follow the prompts to set up recovery options
  4. Choose how to unlock your drive at startup

macOS FileVault

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault
  2. Click "Turn On FileVault"
  3. Choose a recovery method
  4. Wait for the initial encryption to complete

Android

  1. Go to Settings > Security (or Security & Location)
  2. Select "Encryption" or "Encrypt phone"
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the process

Important Note:

Always back up your encryption recovery keys or passwords in a secure location. If you lose them, you may permanently lose access to your encrypted data.

File and Folder Encryption

When you need to encrypt specific files rather than entire devices:

Encrypted Archives

  • 7-Zip: Create encrypted archives with AES-256 encryption
  • WinRAR: Offers password protection with AES encryption
  • Zip with encryption: Most operating systems support creating encrypted zip files

Encrypted Containers

  • VeraCrypt: Creates encrypted volumes that appear as normal drives when mounted
  • Cryptomator: Creates encrypted vaults for cloud storage
  • LUKS containers: For Linux users

File-Level Encryption

  • AxCrypt: Integrates with your file system for easy file encryption
  • GnuPG (GPG): Command-line tool for file encryption
  • Office document encryption: Built into Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, etc.

Communication Encryption

Protecting your messages, calls, and emails from interception:

Encrypted Messaging

  • Signal: Gold standard for encrypted messaging with minimal metadata collection
  • Wire: Secure messaging with additional business features
  • Element (Matrix): Decentralized, encrypted messaging platform
  • Session: Decentralized messaging that doesn't require phone numbers
  • WhatsApp: Offers E2EE but collects metadata and is owned by Meta

Email Encryption

  • ProtonMail/Tutanota: Email services with built-in encryption
  • PGP/GPG: Standard for email encryption (requires setup on both ends)
  • Mailvelope: Browser extension for using PGP in webmail
  • S/MIME: Certificate-based email encryption standard

Voice and Video Calls

  • Signal: Encrypted voice and video calls
  • Wire: Secure calls with business features
  • Jitsi Meet: Open-source video conferencing with encryption options

Web Browsing Encryption

HTTPS

HTTPS encrypts your connection to websites:

  • Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar
  • Use HTTPS Everywhere extension to force HTTPS when available
  • Enable "HTTPS-Only Mode" in your browser settings if available

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address:

  • Choose a VPN with strong encryption (OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2 protocols)
  • Look for no-logs policies verified by independent audits
  • Be aware that VPNs can see your traffic (choose trusted providers)

Tor Network

Tor provides anonymity by routing your traffic through multiple encrypted relays:

  • Use the Tor Browser for maximum compatibility
  • Provides stronger anonymity than a VPN but with slower speeds
  • Some websites may block Tor exit nodes

Cloud Storage Encryption

Protecting your data stored in the cloud:

End-to-End Encrypted Cloud Services

  • Tresorit: Zero-knowledge encrypted cloud storage
  • Sync.com: Zero-knowledge encrypted file sharing and storage
  • pCloud: Offers zero-knowledge encryption as an add-on
  • ProtonDrive: Encrypted storage from the makers of ProtonMail

Client-Side Encryption Tools

  • Cryptomator: Creates encrypted vaults in your cloud storage
  • Boxcryptor: Encrypts files before uploading to cloud services
  • rclone: Command-line tool with encryption support for cloud storage

Cloud Storage Warning:

Standard cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) can access your unencrypted files. Either use end-to-end encrypted services or encrypt your files before uploading them.

Password Management

Password managers use encryption to securely store your credentials:

  • Bitwarden: Open-source password manager with strong encryption
  • KeePassXC: Offline, open-source password manager
  • 1Password: User-friendly password manager with additional features
  • LastPass: Popular cloud-based password manager

Encryption Best Practices

Key Management

  • Use strong, unique passwords or passphrases for encryption
  • Store recovery keys and backup codes securely
  • Consider using a hardware security key for critical encryption keys
  • Have a secure backup system for encryption keys and passwords

General Tips

  • Use modern, well-audited encryption algorithms (AES-256, ChaCha20)
  • Keep encryption software updated to address security vulnerabilities
  • Be aware of the limitations of encryption (it doesn't protect against malware)
  • Remember that encryption is only as strong as its weakest link (often the password)

Legal Considerations

Be aware of legal aspects of encryption:

  • Some countries restrict the use of encryption or require key disclosure
  • In some jurisdictions, you may be legally compelled to provide encryption keys
  • Research the laws in your country and any countries you travel to

Conclusion

Encryption is a powerful tool for protecting your digital information. By implementing encryption for your devices, files, communications, and online activities, you can significantly enhance your digital privacy and security.

Start with the basics—like enabling full-disk encryption on your devices, starting using a password manager with strong encryption, and switching to an encrypted messaging app for sensitive communications.

Next Steps:

Enable full-disk encryption on your devices, start using a password manager with strong encryption, and switch to an encrypted messaging app for sensitive communications.