What Is File Encryption?

File encryption protects sensitive files from unauthorized access by converting them into a format that can only be read by a user with the right encryption key.

What is file encryption used for?

File encryption safeguards business-critical files, personal data, or customer information against unauthorized access or data breaches. Here are a few common uses for file encryption:

• Secure data transfer

Encryption protects files shared or transferred via email, shared in the cloud, or exchanged between devices.

• Data protection

Encrypted backups ensure that even if a device is stolen or compromised by a cyberattack, hackers will be unable to access the files. By encrypting backups, the IT team can prevent the event of some common cyberattacks, such as ransomware incidents, ensuring that essential files can be restored.

• Compliance

For organizations with strict privacy regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, file encryption adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive customer or patient information, making compliance management easier for IT teams. Even if devices or servers are compromised, encryption ensures attackers cannot decipher the files without the required credentials or keys.

What files can be encrypted?

Nearly any type of file can be encrypted. This includes files that contain names, addresses, financial records, health records, and even multimedia files. System files critical to business operations, such as configuration files or password databases, benefit from encryption to prevent cybercriminals from accessing them.

When to use file encryption

Encryption isn’t required for every file, but end-users and IT administrators should consider utilizing it to ensure data integrity and security.

For example, businesses with remote or hybrid work arrangements should use file encryption to ensure their data remains protected. Remote employees often need to access and share files through cloud storage. While many cloud providers offer encryption, encrypting files before uploading them adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. In addition, remote workers sometimes have to share files over public internet connections. Encryption helps ensure that these files remain safe from being intercepted by hackers.

How to encrypt a file

File encryption uses algorithms designed to make it impossible to convert files into a readable format without the correct key. There are two main types of encryption methods. The first is symmetric encryption which only requires a single key to encrypt and decrypt data. This makes symmetric encryption faster and ideal for large volumes of information. On the other hand, asymmetric encryption uses a public key to encrypt the data and a private key to decrypt it. Asymmetric encryption works best for exchanging sensitive data over public or unsecured networks.

To encrypt a file, you can use built-in tools like Windows BitLocker or FileVault for macOS devices. Third-party applications also offer file encryption capabilities. Encryption key management is critical for end-users and businesses, as users may lose access to their own files if they lose their encryption keys.

Enhancing data security with file encryption

File encryption enables IT security experts to safeguard critical business data. Investing in endpoint security tools such as NinjaOne allows IT teams to leverage advanced encryption tools, monitor encryption status, and secure systems with total visibility of their IT environment.

NinjaOne centralizes all the tools you need to secure your endpoint devices, boosting efficiency. With NinjaOne’s comprehensive endpoint management tool, users can monitor and manage their devices and files with ease. In addition, NinjaOne allows users to keep track of the encryption status of their files and automates recording encryption keys and Filevault or BitLocker recovery keys. Try NinjaOne for free, or watch a demo.