Cryptography in Cybersecurity

Cryptography conjures up images of spies sneaking messages to one another. Cryptography is the practice of encoding messages. Humans have been using cryptographic methods of encoding messages since at least 400 BCE in ancient Sparta, and have developed ever more advanced encryption methods and cryptographic techniques throughout history. The last century saw people use computer technology to this end. Famously, the Nazis developed the Enigma machine, which produced ciphers which were considered unbreakable. These ciphers were cracked by British Intelligence efforts using incredible advances in decryption computational technology as part of the Ultra program.¹

Today, cryptography in cybersecurity uses cryptographic techniques and increasingly advanced cryptography algorithms for secure data encryption standards so that users can send secure messages, avoiding the curious eyes of any unauthorized onlookers.²

The process to hide or encrypt information is referred to as coding. Cryptography has long been used in communication codes and is still applied in bank cards and e-commerce transactions. Cryptography technology today comprises algorithms and ciphering that facilitate encryption of information. Despite their complexity, modern encryption standards have been regarded as nearly impossible for most.

Also termed “secret key cryptography,” symmetric cryptography works through cryptographic keys shared amongst the user. This method uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, sharing it with the same user to secure the data. Then anyone who can decrypt the encrypted information must have the unique cryptographic keys. 'Symmetric encryption' is often applied to safeguard a local data backup system.

In another way, asymmetric cryptographic technology is commonly used to ensure safe transmission across public networks. Unlike other cryptographic techniques, asymmetric cryptography uses two keys. One is called an “independent” key that is accessible to any user that is connected to this key. The second key encrypts encrypted data and can't be used for personal information.

Imagine you need to send a securely encrypted message to a colleague. You’ll type the message in normal plaintext. As it’s encrypted, the text will be scrambled, becoming unintelligible to anyone without the correct encryption key. However, for the person with the encryption key, the text is rearranged for normal viewing.

There are two main methods of encryption: symmetric cryptography and asymmetric encryption. The difference involves the number of encryption keys. Symmetric encryption uses one key, while asymmetric uses two key exchanges, one public key and one private key.³

Hash functions also play an important role in cybersecurity. Hash functions convert long strings of encoded sensitive data into a fixed output, cryptographic hash functions help create digital signatures to identify authorized users.⁴

The role of cryptography in security is important. As cybersecurity evolves, cryptography takes on new roles. Some of the most common examples include:

Secure sockets layer (SSL) and transport layer security (TLS) are communication protocols or rules that enable secure communication between computer systems.⁵ This technology builds on other security protocols and on encryption to issue authorization certificates, meaning third-party users protect sensitive data and sensitive information that can be added to the communication once verified.

Cryptography and the complex algorithms it’s based on can also help ensure the accuracy of data using routine data integrity checks. In fact, machine learning algorithms can detect and resolve data anomalies by learning the underlying patterns.⁶

Authentication is the process by which an administrator verifies and grants access to a prospective system user. Many systems authenticate using either a username and password system, while others issue digital tokens to verify users.

Selecting the right tools requires assessing your cybersecurity needs. If your organization needs to grant access to a large number of authorized users, you may need an asymmetric approach. In contrast, companies that are transacting a lot online may need to use symmetrical algorithms.

Three of the most widely used cryptographic algorithms include:

Initially developed for government use, the AES lives up to its name, serving as the private cybersecurity and public key cryptography standard. AES functions as a symmetric block cipher, using the same key to encrypt and decrypt data.⁷

RSA is a widely used asymmetric encryption algorithm, providing users with the option to utilize a public and/or private key.⁸

SHA is used to hash data and authorization certificates. SHA-1 had an issue with too many data collisions, but SHA-2 accounts for this with varying bit lengths for smoother data processing.⁹

To successfully implement cryptography in business, you’ll need to emphasize stakeholder buy-in and education. Routine data integrity checks and risk assessments are also essential to stay ahead of potential threats.

Many organizations have found their greatest cybersecurity weakness to be the users themselves. Unauthorized users can gain entry to the system via phishing emails or compromised usernames and passwords. Many organizations train users to be on the lookout for fake phishing emails and dedicate funds to providing regular employee education.

Cryptography in cybersecurity is not without its challenges. For instance, key management can be a headache. If your organization’s encryption key is compromised or falls into the wrong hands, all your data encrypted using that key can be deciphered by someone outside of the organization.¹⁰

Likewise, scalability continues to be a concern as system administrators try to ensure that the system has the capacity to complete all operations without delay. When you get kicked off a website because too many people are trying to order tickets to a game, you’re dealing with an issue of scalability.¹¹

As technology advances, so do cybersecurity threats. It’s important to stay one step ahead.

It’s important to remember that some organizations are legally required to encrypt the user data to protect sensitive data and the confidential information they collect. For instance, HIPAA regulations mandate that certain healthcare providers must encrypt patients’ medical records when they are stored.¹²

Cryptography helps keep user data secure and private both “at rest” and “in transit.” While not mandated, the National Institute for Standards and Technology recommends using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128-, 192-, or 256-bit encryption, OpenPGP, and S/MIME.¹³

New ideas on the horizon promise a higher level of cybersecurity at a faster computational pace. For instance, homomorphic encryption is a type of encryption in which the encrypted data does not have to be decrypted before it can be processed. In other words, homomorphic encryption saves a step in the process, which makes the encryption faster and more secure.

Similarly, blockchain security uses a decentralized approach to verify transactions. As blocks of encrypted data form, users validate the transaction as more blocks are added, making the blockchain impossible to tamper with. At this point, blockchain is limited by computing power, but quantum computing could hold the key to unlock it in the future.¹⁴

With these new ideas dawning, the future of the cybersecurity industry is bright. If you’re up for the challenge, check out the online Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Yeshiva University. Learn from expert faculty at one of the most affordable online cybersecurity programs in the country. With a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Yeshiva University, you’ll be prepared to protect user and data privacy and stay ahead of cybercriminals.