You can’t go a day without reading about a database that was hacked or a system that was broken into, releasing data into the great unknown. Falling victim to cybercrime is never on anyone’s to-do list. But when it happens to you, your practice and very livelihood are in jeopardy.
The concept of encryption isn’t new. In fact, if you do a little research, you’ll find the art of cryptography dates back to ancient times. Of course, today we use technology instead of codes and ciphers to scramble data in hopes that whoever is trying to steal it won’t have any luck. But the concepts are the same.
What if encryption suddenly became archaic? What if encryption no longer worked, and all your data was available to anyone who wanted it?
A new article in the Wall Street Journal states precisely that. National security experts predict that in the not-so-distant future, foreign powers will have the ability to crack all encryption methods, and there’s nothing we can do to stop them. The danger lies with quantum computing.
Without getting too technical, quantum computers do far more than traditional computers could hope to do. Traditional computers operate using ones and zeroes to manipulate data. Quantum computers use a third state that analyzes the two subsets sequentially, in effect giving them the power to crunch data in a lot less time.
Cybercriminals from around the world are breaking in wherever they can, saving data in droves, knowing that someday soon they will have the power to break the code.
Medical data is especially susceptible. You might change bank accounts or shut down a credit card in a year or two. But your Social Security Number and other personal identifiers will always remain the same.
Is the end of encryption as we know it near? Possibly.
But more importantly, it’s the implications you should think about now.
Think of encryption as a deadbolt. Isn’t it better to have that deadbolt in place on your home, rather than leaving the door wide open?
A deadbolt makes a criminal think twice. It gives them pause before they commit to hunting for a way in. They weigh the pros and cons before they take action. And in most cases, they walk away. They find some other place wide open that’s much easier to break.
Turn on your device encryption.
Protect the systems you run in your office.
Ensure you use every safety precaution available to you today. That will make it that much easier to upgrade over time.
Can we help you make your business safer?
For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.
