Encryption is the transformation of data to hide information or prevent its undetected modification and unauthorised use.
Most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) already use encryption, even if they don’t realise it. Mobile telephone transmissions are encrypted, as are most wireless networks, even when deployed straight ‘out of the box’. Some manufacturers of tablet computers and laptops also incorporate data encryption as standard.
Caution is advised, because making basic errors can mean encryption no longer provides protection. For example, encryption is useless if an attacker can easily guess your key or if it’s written on a slip of paper left inside your laptop carry case.