All about Network Encryption

Network encryption is the encryption or encoding process for the transmission or communication of information and messages through a computer network. This is a broad process involving different tools, techniques, and standards to guarantee that the messages are unreadable between two or more network nodes during transit.

Network encryption is carried out via Internet Protocol Security (IPSec). It is a set of open Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards which, used jointly, establish a framework for private communication over IP networks. IPSec works with the network architecture, so end-users and applications do not have to be modified. Encrypted packets appear to be the same as unencrypted packets and can be routed easily via an IP network.

Why do networks need encryption?

Encryption is a popular and efficient method for network data protection. The encryption process hides data or message contents so that it can recover the original information only via a related decryption process. Encryption and decryption are common cryptographic techniques— the scientific field behind safe communications.

There are many different processes of encryption and decryption (popularly called as algorithms). Especially on the Internet, the details of such algorithms are very difficult to keep secret. Cryptographers comprehend it and design their algorithms to operate even if their implementation information is made public. The majority of encryption algorithms achieve this protection level through the use of keys.

Which industries are reaping maximum benefits from the Network Encryption Technology?

• Telecom & IT

The Telecom and IT sector cover IT solutions and service providers, consultants, ISPs and communications companies. Bringing the own device of your company (BYOD) has increased the need to protect data transmitted via the network and comply with industry regulations by developing innovative technologies and increasing the use of the mobile devices and the internet.

Telecommunications companies and IT service providers use network encryption solutions to ensure that critical business information is secured. In addition, online fraud is one of the most critical problems that cyber experts, network operators, service providers and customers around the globe face. Companies conduct awareness programs on data security for employees and clients.

• Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)

The BFSI vertical is susceptible to data breaches in the digitally connected world. The vertical processing and transaction technologies constantly being upgraded and require end-to-end security solutions to optimize operations against internal and external threats.

The security of payment data transmitted over the network becomes a priority for companies in the BFSI vertical with services like smart banking, Internet banking, and mobile banking. This makes the vertical a big target for fraudsters who want to use sensitive information from their customers. BFSI network encryption solutions are used to manage and safeguard sensitive customer data and to protect their business against data intrusion risks. The vertical offers financial security, online fund transfer security, and data security through encrypted files, data and emails with the help of network encryption solutions.

• Media & Entertainment

Streaming applications in digital broadcasting require continuous encryption and decryption in real time, in order to ensure that content cannot be compromised during transit. This content is protected by a conditional access system (CSA), ensuring that certain criteria are satisfied prior to access to a film or series.
Each segment of the data stream needs to be encrypted using a constantly changing, encrypted & control word&. Keys must be generated and forwarded in advance. In order to provide a seamless experience, latency is addressed and HSMs have proven to be extremely helpful tools to perform that task. In fact, they can spontaneously generate high-quality keys, store them and use them for securing the related data transfers.

Types of Transmissions in Network Encryption

1. Optical Transmission

Optical encryption is a way to secure in-flight data within the network transport layer by transferring it over optical waves over fiber-optic cables. As an integral part of Wave and Private Wave services, optical encryption is available. It offers the highest possible level of efficiency and security in combination, fully transparent to Ethernet, IP and other network protocols.

2. Traditional Transmission

Traditionally coaxial cables, twisted pairs, and radio waves/microwaves were used for the transmission. Fiber optics has many advantages, including huge bandwidth, lower noise and disruption, and high data safety in transit. Thus, organizations, thanks to the increasing demand for fast data transmission and improved security, look forward to optical transmission by means of fiber optics.

Components of Network Encryption technology

• Hardware

Risks and threats are increasing and they can hinder enterprises and other critical infrastructure. Businesses all over the world are therefore constantly looking for cost-effective and robust products that enhance network security and provide customers with an increased experience. The performance of hardware devices, such as high speed and low latency, plays an important role in the market of network encryption and offers robust security. In addition, hardware components provide advanced security against endpoints, networks and applications threats.

• Platform

Shield Platform Encryption provides data with an entirely new security layer while maintaining critical platform functionality. It allows companies to encrypt sensitive information at a later date and not only when it is sent over a network. This way companies can confidently comply with privacy policies, regulatory requirements and contractual obligations for private data handling. Shield Platform Encryption builds upon the data encryption options offered by the sales force. Data stored in a number of standard and tailored fields and files and attachments are encrypted with an advanced HSM key derivation system and protected even if there were other defense lines affected.

The Bottom Line

Network security was always more important than users realize. Fallback, surveillance, and filtering are always present but invisible. Many application owners believe that their systems operate on pure IP infrastructure, but nothing else can be true–the networks of companies are highly structured. The current network products offer an impressive and growing array of unique security solutions from simple authentication mechanisms to comprehensive identity management. The bottom line is that, the global Network Encryption Market shows a high potential of rising at a CAGR of 11.4% over the estimated period.