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What do you really know about... encryption?

Encryption

Encryption is the reason you're able to do everything on the internet safely and securely. Without encryption, every time you shopped on the internet or checked your bank account you'd be putting all of your information at risk. It would be like everything you ever typed on the internet was spoken through a loudspeaker.

What is encryption?
Encryption is a way of hiding information from others. It is the way that computers scramble up the messages and the data that you send so they remain secret, and unscramble them when they need to be read. It is used by the majority of sites you come across to protect your personal data.

Why do we need encryption?
Communication on the internet is a lot like sending postcards. Any information you relay, whether it be a google search, a web address or your credit card details can be intercepted and read - unless the information is encrypted.

You can always tell if the website you're using has established a secure connection with your computer, by checking the web address bar. In the top left hand corner the web address should start with "https://" (the "s" at the end is the important part) and you should see a padlock. If it's green, the site has been verified. If it's red, then there's a problem. If it's not there at all, you're sending postcards.

How does encryption work?
Take Facebook as an example. To create a secure connection between your computer and the server providing you with Facebook, Facebook needs to send you a public encryption key. Think of this as an open padlock.

First of all, Facebook and your computer say hello to each other. The different levels of encryption are like different languages, so the computer and the Facebook need to find one they have in common. They will talk to each other using the highest level of encryption they share, so that your data is as secure as it can be.

Once that's done, Facebook sends your computer the open padlock. Once you've received it, your computer generates a new random encryption key of its own. Think of this as a secret code which your computer invents to talk to Facebook privately, in a way nobody else could understand.

Your computer pops the secret code in a box, and locks it with Facebook's open padlock. The padlock 'clicks' shut, and now nobody can unlock it apart from Facebook. Your computer gives sends the box back, and Facebook unlocks it with their private key to receive your 'secret code'.

Your computer and Facebook now have a way to talk to each other in code. The secret code cannot have been stolen by anyone, because at every stage in the conversation it was protected.

So is my information safe? And what about my clients?
For personal use, all you need to do to check the website you're using is secure is look for that little green padlock. That way you know any information you put in is encrypted.

If your business stores information about your clients, then you must make sure their data is sufficiently protected. Make sure you're using https, and have an Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate.

If you aren't sure what those are or if you have them, get in touch with us at 0191 482 0444 to have a chat with our team.

Want to know more? Get next level encryption know-how: http://robertheaton.com/2014/03/27/how-does-https-actually-work/


The Transcendit Way

Transcendit understand that when you choose to work with us, whether we're taking care of your IT, app or web development, you're trusting us with part of your business. So whether we're looking after your computers, phone systems or servers we always do things 'the Transcendit way'.

The whole of our team adhere to the same values, beliefs and policies - the principles that were written when Transcendit first formed in 2000. Whether you come to us for cloud services or recovery backup you can be confident that you'll always receive the same excellent service.

The Transcendit way outlines how we do business; following the same straightforward principles with every client and customer, regardless of how big or small they may be.

That means we get to know you and your business. We offer you a friendly, professional and efficient service, and we'll always be honest with you.
We understand that not everybody speaks fluent IT, so we try to explain things in a way that is simple and clear. We always spend as much time as is necessary explaining things to you.
If you need to talk to us about something, no matter how insignificant, we are only ever a phone call away – and we’re never too busy to make you a cup of tea and have a sit down with you in person.
We understand how frustrating it can be when things are late. When we schedule an appointment with you, we are there when you’re expecting us. If something prevents us from getting there, we always call you in advance to let you know.
Sometimes things can go wrong, but we never lie to you or try to cover something up. If things go askew we tell you what’s happened and how we plan to prevent it affecting your business.
We want you to continuously benefit from working with us. We regularly discuss your business and make suggestions for improving systems and processes wherever we can – but we never try to push you into a purchase.
When we quote a fixed price, that's always the amount we charge – you won’t find any nasty surprises on a bill from us. If you are paying by time and materials, we inform you if our approximations could change.
We understand the importance of privacy for your business and your customers. We respect the confidentiality of your data, and we will never pass on your information to third parties.
We appreciate it when you take the time to give us feedback. A system called CustomerSure records our client's responses, so you can trust that our reviews are from real people.
Find out what they're saying here.
Excellent service, as ever, and very prompt. It's very reassuring to know the support is there. Sharon Langridge, Langridge Employement Law

Based on 12075 reviews our customers rate us 9.8/10. Reviews and ratings by Customersure. 09-October-2024

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