Open-Xchange launches in-browser encryption to combine security with ease of use [Q&A]

Data security used to be primarily about physically controlling where information was stored. But over the last few years the move towards greater use of mobile devices and increasing reliance on email for business communication has made securing information much more of a challenge.

The solution many organizations have turned to is encryption, particularly for emails, but is this the answer? Cloud collaboration specialist Open-Xchange is launching OX Guard, a fully integrated email security and encryption add-on to its OX App Suite.

OX Guard works inside the browser, with no need for special plugins or prior knowledge of encryption. Users of the OX environment will automatically receive decrypted emails, while external addresses can read encrypted content via a secure link.

We spoke to Open-Xchange CEO Rafael Laguna to find out about the role encryption has to play in ensuring security and privacy.

BN: How can encryption be used as part of a broader security strategy?

RL: Encryption adds another layer of security and complexity. Encrypted data at rest is pretty safe from prying eyes when stolen -- someone with malicious intent may be able to get to it, but it will make no sense, so it is worthless. Unfortunately the same applies when the legit consumer of the data wants to access them, some additional secure process to make it consumable again needs to be run, adding another cumbersome step.

BN: Doesnt encryption just add an extra layer of complexity making information harder to access and meaning people won't use it?

RL: Yes, indeed. This is why encryption hasn't been widely adopted in the mainstream. Encryption only gets user acceptance when it is easy to use. So encrypt as much as you can but keep the usability high.

BN: How can you overcome the problem of exchanging information with third-parties who arent using the same encryption system?

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Open-Xchange launches in-browser encryption to combine security with ease of use [Q&A]