Major Flaws in Web Encryption Protocols

DoNotTrack_Secure

Most individuals and businesses alike do not give much thought to data security. We may put various measures in place, such as antivirus or anti-spyware software and we may work behind a firewall, feeling as if that is enough to keep our data secure.

The fact is, there are major flaws that exist in some of the more common web encryption protocols, which puts our data at risk. The risk exists, not only when the information is in transit to a remote server, it is also in danger when it is on your own servers. Keeping data safe while is vital to the success of your company.

Companies with a data breach have inccurred millions of dollars in losses because they failed to secure their data properly. Here’s a look at some of the web encryption protocols that exist. One of the more common types of web encryption protocols that are used is TLS/SSL encryption. SSL encryption (Secure Sockets Layer) is a common protocol that is used by Web servers and Internet browsers. It was developed to allow for the secure transmission of sensitive information over an Internet connection. Since its inception, SSL has become part of a larger security protocol that is known as TLS, or Transport Layer Security. Most Internet browsers alert you to the fact that you are using a secure connection by showing a padlock at the bottom of the browser window.

In addition, the http, which can be seen in the web address line, will read as https when the connection is secure. Unfortunately, the flaws that exist in these commonly used encryption standards put our data at risk. One of the issues which can occur because of those flaws is a man in the middle attack. This allows somebody who is sharing an Internet connection with you, typically a Wi-Fi connection, to access the information as it is in transit.

The information is being passed back and forth between you and the server, although it is being intercepted and recorded in the middle. Another issue that exists with SSL security is known as a triple handshake attack. This is similar to a man in the middle attack, although it tends to be more sophisticated in nature. Its purpose is to spy on Internet traffic and steal important information, such as credit card numbers or passwords.

Instead of trusting in standard encryption protocols, which may be flawed by nature, you can use a higher form of encryption. When you use high-quality encryption software, it helps to protect your data in transit and makes it useless to anyone who may be spying on your Internet traffic (Source).

Finding an all-in-one solution is the best way to go to secure your data and making sure that it’s easy to deploy is another great feature to have. Making sure the solution protects your data and that it’s never exposed unit the user validates their credentials via the network is important in assuring that your companies data is secure.