Encryption Technology Provides Strong Network Defense

Security Industry Association (SIA)

It is said that when Julius Caesar sent messages to his close acquaintances, he didn’t trust the messengers. To ensure privacy, he encrypted the message by replacing every A with a D, every B with an E, and so on through the alphabet and only someone who knew the “shift by 3” rule could decipher his message. 

This type of encryption is known as symmetric (the same key is used to code and decode) and symmetric encryption is still in use today. Essentially, encryption is a block of algorithms that “scrambles” data into unreadable code for transport, then when reconnected at the receiving point, is unscrambled using the same algorithm when the designated permissions are provided. Initially designed to protect sensitive banking information and later adapted by the healthcare industry to enforce HIPAA regulations, its use today is nearly worldwide. 

In physical security applications, encryption of data communications between IP devices and head-end VMS control software helps to ensure strong security and privacy throughout the enterprise network. Unguarded, imagine the potential threat made possible by hacking into IP video surveillance systems to reroute data or hacks into IP access systems to turn off alarms and open doors. In addition to enhancing physical security, encryption helps reduce legal liabilities from sensitive information residing on misplaced or discarded devices, as well as the risk of common virus attacks.

There has always been a need for the security and privacy of information and in today’s world, data encryption of networked systems and control solutions such as VMS software is the best way to reduce risks and help win the fight.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).