Encryption can help ramp up your IT security

Ken Colburn, Special for The Republic| azcentral.com 10:03 p.m. MST December 26, 2014

Encryption can provide an excellent level of security.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Question: One of the things I keep hearing about because of the Sony hack is encryption. How exactly do I get it set up for my business?

Answer: There isn't enough space in this column to cover all the lessons that can be learned from what continues to come out of the Sony Pictures massive hacking event.

The use of encryption is a big one because it can provide an excellent level of security even if cyberthieves make off with thousands of sensitive files via a compromised computer.

Anytime everyone has access to everything on a business network without any real security, hackers need only compromise one user to wreak havoc for everyone (the likely scenario in the Sony hack).

Encryption acts as another security barrier that will generally cause the hackers to move on because of the time that it will take to break the encryption.

Encryption technology is built into most operating systems; Windows has BitLocker for workstations and servers (http://goo.gl/N0vPuy). Mac OS X has FileVault (http://goo.gl/4SpCBe). Or you can use encryption programs from many third-party companies.

Before you make any decisions to start encrypting your data, you should review all of the options, pros, cons, security and backup measures to make sure you don't inadvertently lock yourself out of your own data.

Encryption strategy needs to be thought through, so make sure you consult your IT support group before you get started.

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Encryption can help ramp up your IT security