One of the most common fears of the modern computer user is the possibility that personal information could be breached, and potentially fall into the hands of the wrong people. Obviously, this has the potential of leading to serious identity fraud and a whole host of security issues. It is therefore imperative for all business and individuals alike to ensure that all digitally stored information, especially information stored on centralized systems, is securely protected.

The most safe and well known way to provide IT security is through digital encryption. Digital encryption scrambles data so that it can only be accessed by those with specific authority. This usually involves security optimised passwords and helps prevent potential data thieves from getting their hands on anything at all.

However, in the past software encryption as been attributed to factors such as: A lack of performance, a reduced level of interoperability, complex management systems and maybe most importantly, a much higher cost. Because of these reasons, software encryption has at times, failed to meet the high expectations required of it and as a result, been slow at entering the market as a viable, secure solution.

More recently these issues are becoming a thing of the past as technological advancements as encryption developers have set about fixing these issues and eradicating the problems that were once associated with the technology. The overall effect is that encryption systems more affordable, easier to use and much more efficient and reliable. This couldn’t be happening at a much better time; with high profile hacking cases and security failures taking place within the public sector, the demand for efficient protection is at an all time high.

One of the major changes in encryption is the development of “evolving” technology that operates underneath a computer’s OS.  This approach uses hardware encryption drives which can be fitted as either a component in a new system or installed to act retroactively within an old system.

The way hardware encryption operates under the application level of a computer results in a minimum reduction is computer system performance, which is far superior to the results of encryption software. Also, due to the fact the encryption comes as hardware, there are no annoying licence agreements or maintenance and programme updates. Once the hard drive is fitted, all data will be automatically encrypted.
Unlike a software solution, hardware encryption methods do not rely on the OS for the creation and storage of security passwords. Instead, encryption hardware will store passwords within the protection of the hard drive itself. This reduces the complexities associated with password management, creating a more advanced and secure security option.

On the cost front, you could be forgiven for assuming hardware encryption solutions would be absurdly expensive, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Hardware encryption devices may seem expensive due to the initial cost, but are much more likely to prove less expensive in the long run as encryption software comes with many hidden costs that include: necessary updates, annual license fees, staff training and tech support and even server infrastructure changes you may have to make to accommodate your encryption software. With all this in mind, encryption hardware is definitely one of the more, pardon the pun, secure investments you could make.