Why Cryptography Is Important?

Weak or hidden crypto can expose critical infrastructure to vulnerabilities. Public awareness of exposed data leads to fire erosion. This modern environment requires organizations to be aware of how cryptography is being implemented and managed throughout the enterprise.

Once wrapped in the invisible layers that form cryptography, sensitive data becomes unreadable and unchanged, preventing bad actors from performing malicious activity. The core elements that make the cryptographic layers secure include algorithms, keys, libraries, and certificates as described here:

Cryptographic keys are used in conjunction with cryptographic algorithms to protect sensitive information. Cryptographic keys must use an appropriate key length as defined by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), and private keys must be kept secret in order to be effective. Relying on insecure keys or revealing secret keys makes cryptography obsolete.

Digital certificates are used to maintain trust between connected digital components. Digital certificates must be properly managed to ensure the use of compatible algorithms and key lengths, as well as renewed before expiration to avoid security holes. Incompatible or hidden certificates can lead to massive system outages or data

Cryptographic libraries include an implementation of cryptographic algorithms that can be used by application developers to protect sensitive information. Cryptographic libraries must be carefully selected and updated to meet the required level of security. Relying on insecure deployment or end-of-life cryptographic libraries can introduce hidden critical vulnerabilities across applications and infrastructure.

Cryptographic algorithms are the mathematical basis that maintains the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of sensitive information. Relying on standardized and mathematically secure algorithms is mandatory to prevent data transmission, data tampering, or rejection.

The subject of cryptography has gained popularity over the last few years due to the significant impact it has when poorly managed, as well as the increase in quantum data processing (post-quantum cryptography) and new cryptographic rules. Hidden causes of weak and incompatible cryptographic mechanisms represent a challenge for companies and security, risk, and compliance teams securing digital business.

Fortunately, tools like our Cryptography-as-a-Service compliance and administration make it easy and give you full control over the creation, administration, and use of your cryptographic keys without the need for your own local experts or hardware security modules (HSMs).