The way in which data encryption is achieved is the sender provides a password to the intended user in a discrete email or via a secured phone line. When the user obtains the encrypted data, he/she will have to use the provided password to decipher the code back to its normal clear text form.

To encrypt and decrypt covert messages, one must use the method of cryptography. It employs mathematics to store sensitive data. A computer user can transfer the coded data through an unsecured connection without worrying that the content will be compromised. A scientific formula known as "cryptographic algorithm" runs in combination with a code, which can be either a number combination or a phrase, to encrypt the data. The plain text can be converted into cipher text using various keys. Employing a dynamic cryptographic formula and keeping the password in secrecy are imperative steps for the entire process to work.

There are different types of encryption. The ubiquitous browser and email encryptions are the most usual types. Browsers automatically hide information through a secure server. The encrypted domain has the traceable address starting with HTTPS, with the "S" connoting secure. The server then decodes the information when it arrives. For emails, the function of PGP is the normal encryption chosen. This hides private messages, sensitive documents, and folders.

Encrypting a hard drive is another common form of encryption. This maintains the security and integrity of sensitive information. Comprehensive hard disk drive encryption, restriction of user operator encryptions, and creation of an individual encrypted virtual drive that solely constitutes of hidden data are the three techniques for encrypting a hard drive.

Encryption has long been performed by government agencies and military forces to carry out covert communication. Today, it is also used by civilians and commercial groups to facilitate data security. In previous years, there have been multitude reports of sensitive information like client's personal records being accessed and used via lost ot stolen laptops or external hard drives. By encrypting data stored in your computer, you are protecting yourself in case tactile security protocols are unsuccessful. Another good example of encrypting data at rest is that of Digital rights management systems that avert unintended access or reproduction of copyrighted content and safeguard programs against reverse engineering.

Though encryption can individually protect the secrecy and confidentiality of files and documents, there are other methods still needed to achieve maximum security for your data; for instance, a MAC, short for message authentication code, confirmation and/or a digital signature. Keep in mind that advance hackers and cryptographers can still access and use messages without decrypting it, usually through specialized techniques and software like Tempest and Trojan Horse.

Throughout the years technology has continued to advance and has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Take, for example, the release of the first laptop by IBM in April of 1981. The original laptop weighed in at a whopping 24.5 pounds. Compare that to the average laptop today, which weighs approximately five pounds. Advances in technology have gone far beyond lightening the weight of a laptop; they have also made software programs more accessible. Gone are the days when people had to rely on large floppy disks to save and transfer work. Today are the days in which you can type and email a document without ever having to close Microsoft word. 

Beyond personal use, software also impacts many different types of businesses. There are even some programs specifically made for certain industries. Below are three beneficial and useful types of software business owners can utilize as this blog focuses on software and how it helps businesses grow.

Point of Sale Software

This type of software is primarily used in the retail and food service industries. It allows stores and restaurants to keep track of their inventory. It also allows them to pinpoint products that seem to be selling exceptionally well as well as those that are under performing. Many companies offer this type of software, with a little digging you may even find a free download of it.  

Accounting Software

Accounting is an important part of business, regardless of the specific industry. Business owners and managers use accounting to create financial reports and review the efficiency of their operations. With this information, business owners can make decisions and find ways to improve their company's profitability.

Also, with tax season here, it may also be a good idea to invest in some tax preparation software. Companies like Turbo Tax offer solutions that can be tailored for both personal and business needs. Keeping the books straight and the staff paid will help businesses, both large and small, succeed.

Shipping Software

Many companies today rely on a variety of delivery services to ensure their clients receive their products and services on time. One of the most important aspects of customer service is having an organized shipping department. Purchasing shipping software solutions may help alleviate the stress of keeping outgoing products organized. Like many others this software can be tailored to fit the business and industry the user is involved with.

As technology continue to advance, it's important that business owners take advantage of the tools available to help their business grow and prosper.

Where did the terms computer bug and debugged come from? On September 9th, 1947 a woman, Grace Hopper, was working on a computer at Harvard University. The computer was one if those main frame computers that were very large. It was called the Mark II Aiken Relay Computer. When the computer stopped working, she began to investigate the problem. After removing one of the panels she found a moth caught between two relay points.

When she removed the moth and put the panel back in place, the computer functioned properly again. Grace reported that the computer was debugged. The terms computer bug and debugged remain in use today.

Computer Virus

Scientific American reports the history for the term "computer virus" comes from two separate origins. The first person to come up with the idea of a computer virus was John Von Newman. He wrote an article about computers being able to reproduce. The title of this paper was called "Theory and Organization of Complicated Automata".

Later, during the 1950s computer programmers at Bell Labs took Von Newman's idea and invented a computer game called "Code Wars". In this game, bits of software called "organisms" would be sent to the player's computers. The object of "code Wars" was for the organisms to gain control of the opponent's computer.

In 1986, Fred Cohen discovered the first mathematical algorithm for a computer virus. It was with this algorithm that a computer virus could be replicated. Cohen wrote his PhD thesis on this subject.

Trojan Horse

Everyone remembers the story of the Trojan horse. It comes from the ancient tale from the Trojan War. The Greeks tricked the army of Troy by making them think the Greeks had fled by way of the sea.  However, the Greeks built a huge wooden horse that was hollow on the inside. Many of the Greek soldiers hid inside of the horse. When the Trojans thought they had run off the Greeks the pulled their wooden horse home to Troy as a trophy. We all know the end of that story.

The legend of the Trojan horse gave rise to the phrase being synonymous with tricking an enemy be inviting them into a safe place.

In computer language a Trojan horse is a bit if malware that seems harmless, but when introduced to a computer it causes damage to the computer's programs. The malware can completely shut down a computer and make it useless.

Software

The term software was coined in 1958 by John Tukey. Computer software is a computer program that tells a computer what to do.

Malware

Malware is malicious software that is secretly downloaded into a computer. Once downloaded, the malware can take control of your computer.

Hacker

In the early 1960s computer hackers came into being. They were mostly MIT students trying to gain entry into the main frame computers. The students warred with each other by sending computer codes to wipe out each other’s programs to gain control of their computers. Since then hackers have been getting smarter as programs become more sophisticated.

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