When wading through the alphabet soup of encryption methods to help defend against cyberthreats and meet compliance requirements, it’s clear to see the options for locking sensitive information away from prying eyes are plentiful. Each encryption algorithm renders content unreadable unless decrypted through a decryption key. Some encryption and file transfer methods that support them also provide additional file protection from alterations or tampering while those files are enroute to their destination.
Why Does Encryption Matter?
It matters because your organization’s data is quite likely its most valuable asset. Encrypting that information as it is transferred in and out of your organization can keep that priceless data secure. In addition, with robust file encryption software, you and your trading partners gain peace of mind, you can satisfy compliance mandates, be assured that files in motion are protected, maintain data integrity, and achieve data security across multiple devices, including mobile.
File Encryption Options for File Transfers
Here’s a brief run-down of just a few options you’ll run across in your search for file encryption methods:
- PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) can be used to send encrypted sensitive files, texts, and emails. It allows encrypted information to be exchanged without the use of private encryption keys.
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an older, unsecure method of transferring files from one location to another. It should only be used if exchanging data that is not sensitive. Far better, encrypted methods for exchanging files exist.
- Open PGP is an open-source offshoot of PGP. Open PGP uses asymmetric (public key) cryptography and addresses the issues of data authentication and non-repudiation through the ability to "sign" files via embedded digital signatures. Hashing, data compression, symmetric private-key cryptography, along with asymmetric public-key cryptography are used to keep data secure. According to the official OpenPGP website, even intelligence organizations aren’t able to break Open PGP encryption. This high level of data security helps make Open PGP one of the most popular file encryption methods around.
- SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a network encryption protocol used to send file transfers over secure shell (SSH). It protects your files from when they are first authenticated to when they are being transferred through AES, Triple DES, and related algorithms, all which encrypt files as they transfer between systems. These encryption algorithms move data securely to your server and keeps files unreadable during this process. This protocol also requires authentication, which prevents access by unauthorized users.
- FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure) adds support for the Transport Layer Security (TLS). This secure file transfer protocol supports encryption via algorithms like Triple DES and AES. Organizations can securely connect with their trading partners and other users through authentication and supported applications including client certificates and server identities.
- GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) is a popular adaption of the Open PGP standard. It's available as a free software download and is based on the Open PGP encryption standards. Users can open and decrypt files encrypted by PGP and/or Open PGP. GPG also supports S/MIME and Secure Shell (SSH) and is a user-friendly option for encrypting files.
- AS2 and ZIP with AES, protects sensitive information while it is in transit across networks, systems, and locations through digital certificates and encryption standards. AS2 messages can be compressed, signed, encrypted, and sent over a secure SSL tunnel. In addition, users can request Message Disposition Notifications (MDNs) which is an alert that verifies that the message was successfully received and decrypted. You can also compress and encrypt files with AES encryption using ZIP and GZIP standards.
- MFT (Managed File Transfer), or SFT (Secure File Transfer) is a secure file transfer solution that can encrypt your files using a variety of protocols, including AES, Open PGP, SFTP, FTPS, AS2, and HTTPS.
Related Reading: How Encryption Works: Everything You Need to Know
Give Open PGP Encryption a Try
Fortra’s GoAnywhere MFT is a secure, comprehensive file transfer option, especially if you need to automate your encryption and decryption processes and your file exchange process. If you just need to encrypt and decrypt a few files, our free software utility, Open PGP Studio, is a great option. Open PGP Studio supports basic encryption, decryption, file signing as well as document verification. It can be installed on a variety of systems, including Windows, Linux and others.
How Do You Decide on an Encryption Method?
The choices around encryption that an organization makes can depend on their unique needs for securely locking down files as they are being exchanged or stored. Certain industries require particular standards, especially industries subject to compliance requirements. While other organizations choose their encryption method based on how compatible it is with specific database types.
Before hitting the green light on your decision, consider a few questions first:
- What encryption standards do your trading partners support?
- How sensitive is the data being exchanged?
- Are large files being exchanged (which should be compressed)?
- Should the files be encrypted (before transmission), should the connection be encrypted, or both?
- How will the data be transmitted (via SFTP, HTTPS, or secure mail)?
On-Demand Webinar: FTP, FTPS & SFTP: Which Protocol Should You Use and When?
GoAnywhere Goes Beyond Encryption to Deliver Enterprise-Level Benefits
GoAnywhere supports several encryption protocols but takes the transmission of encrypted files further. Managed file transfer supports enterprise-level compliance with detailed auditing and reporting. In addition, automation capabilities streamline and centralize the file transfer process, and helps eliminate the risks that come with manual processes and human error. Alerts can provide notification for scheduled or pre-determined events for more transparency on file movements.
Data at rest is encrypted with Open PGP, GPG, or ZIP with AES. While that data is in transit, it’s protected via SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, or AS2. Cybersecurity is addressed by keeping your most sensitive, valuable files secured at all states of transfer, leveling up the security over more basic file transfer encryption methods. The solution also allows organizations to create encrypted folders and secure email to broaden the level of security across the organization.
And with GoAnywhere’s DMZ Secure Gateway, incoming ports to your private or internal network are closed, helping to keep your servers, user credentials, and passwords safe.
Related Reading: The Ultimate Checklist for Purchasing File Encryption Software
GoAnywhere MFT is an Easy Choice for Encrypted File Transfers
If you know you're ready for the layers of security a managed file transfer solution can provide for encrypting your file transfers at rest and in motion, be sure to schedule a 15-, 30-, or 60-minute demonstration of all that GoAnywhere MFT can do for you and your organization to keep your valuable data secure, automated, and streamlined.
