WHY ENCRYPTION MATTERS!

By Joseph Kiwendo | On a daily basis we all send or store data, this can be making financial transactions, via network communications- (data-in-transit), our devices such as phones, Computers- (data-at-rest), however this is needed to be kept safe and Confidential. 

Encryption is the process of scrambling or enciphering data so it can be read only by someone with the means to return it to its original state.

So Is it important? We try to explain this in this simple illustration Comic Story-Don’t be like Jus. In the illustration, we show a messaging application without end to end encryption was used and the conversation fell in the hands of a third party who tracked movements, stole a laptop and accessed business and personal information. In another scenario a financial transaction was done from unsecure website (http://orderforsnacks.com/orders)  and credit card details were accessed by a third party who transferred money from the account. 

What can one do to be safe?

Since there are many risks associated with lack of Encryption including state related crimes, we all need to take precautionary measures/controls and create awareness such as;

• • Using Secure Messaging Apps with End to End Encryption
  • End Point Encryption for Devices- mobile phones and computers to deny wrong data access 
  • Secure Web Browsing e.g. when transacting online,  look out for S on the http (i.e https)

Advocate for Encryption

To learn more about Encryption, Join the Internet Society Encryption Community 

Download the encryption illustration and story line here.