As the world grows more digital, the necessity to protect our data becomes increasingly important. One of the fundamental strategies for keeping our data safe is encryption, which is critical for protecting our overall online security. However, not all encryption methods are created equal, and there are small differences between them that can make or even break data security. That is why we decided to provide you with an in-depth overview of what encryption is, what types of encryption exist, and why you should consider using AES-256 encryption in your system.

Without further ado, let’s delve in!

What is Encryption?

Data is converted into a secret code through the process of encryption, which conceals what it really means. Data that has been encrypted and scrambled cannot be decoded by anyone without the required authorization. Data encryption's main objective is to protect data against online threats.

What Are the Various Encryption Methods?

Two types of encryption exist, symmetrical encryption and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption generally requires only one key because all communication participants use the same (secret) key for encryption and decryption. 

Two keys are used in asymmetric encryption, also known as public key encryption, to both encrypt and decrypt information. The decryption key is kept secret (thus the term "private key"), but the encryption key is made public and available to anybody (hence the term "public key"). TLS (also known as SSL) relies heavily on asymmetric encryption.

AES Encryption: What Does it Mean?

Advanced Encryption Standard, often referred to as AES, is a kind of cipher that secures data transmission over the internet. AES is currently one of the best encryption systems available because it seamlessly integrates speed and security, allowing us to carry on with our daily online activities without interruption.

In simple terms, AES is a symmetric encryption method that encrypts and decrypts data using the same key. It also encrypts data in several rounds using the SPN (substitution permutation network) method. AES is invulnerable because there are simply too many encryption rounds to break through.

Due to the countless benefits that it provides,  it is no doubt that AES has become the industry standard for encryption.

An explanation of how AES encryption works? 

As part of AES, there are three different block ciphers:

• AES-128, which has a 128-bit key length, and is used to encrypt and decrypt blocks of messages. 
• Keys of 192 bits are used to encrypt and decrypt AES-192 blocks of messages. 
• Blocks of messages are encrypted and decrypted using 256-bit keys in AES-256. 

Each cipher consists of cryptographic keys with lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits that are used for decoding and encrypting data in blocks of 128 bits. However, it is necessary for both the sender and the receiver to be aware of it and to use the same secret key.

Data is categorized by governing bodies as confidential, secret, or top secret. Top Secret information requires keys with lengths of 192 or 256 bits.

The number of modifications that must be performed to the data is decided by the AES encryption algorithm. The cipher starts by putting the data into an array, and then the cipher changes are performed over and over again through multiple encryption rounds.

The initial step in the AES encryption cipher involves substituting data using a substitution table. In the second transformation, the data rows are reorganized. In the third section, columns are combined. The final transformation is applied to each column separately, each with its own encryption key component. Longer keys usually require more rounds.

AES-256 Encryption: Why is it important?

As previously stated, as everything gets more digital, preserving our online privacy is vital. It should be obvious to select the most secure encryption technology, such as AES-256.

For businesses, data security is crucial. They can use AES to build trust, communicate with customers and clients, limit liability, and avoid paying large fines if sensitive information spills.

Many organizations nowadays rely on in-app messaging software. Regrettably, this opens up novel opportunities for cybercriminals who constantly look for new ways to steal digital information. 

It is vital to use white-label in-app chat solutions with the highest encryption methods (Scalable in-app messaging API, Scalable in-app messaging SDK). While using a customized chat API, a business, on the other hand, can never guarantee its security. Fortunately, with the In-app communication API and white-label communication software, businesses can easily and quickly develop their own instant messaging solutions.

AES-256 Encryption: Here's Everything You Need to Know!

AES, according to security experts, is secure when properly implemented. AES encryption keys, on the other hand, must be kept safe. Even the strongest cryptographic systems can be cracked with the right encryption key.

To secure the security of AES keys, do the following:

• Make use of strong passwords.
• Make use of password managers.
• Multi Factor authentication (MFA) should be implemented and enforced.
• Install firewall and anti-malware software.
• To protect staff members from social engineering and phishing fraud, ensure that you provide security awareness training.

Those that work with AES encryption find it appealing. Why? Because the AES encryption algorithm is easy to grasp. It enables both simple implementation and exceptionally fast encryption and decryption speeds.

Furthermore, AES requires less memory than many other types of encryption (such as DES), making it the clear winner when it comes to deciding on an encryption method.

Summing Up

To summarize, you don't have to worry about security and compliance with AES Encryption because all security and compliance features are built-in and need no effort to integrate into your scalable in-app chat API. Developers of all levels (including non-coders) can integrate these power chat solutions to create secure and modern chat apps on any tech stack. 

So , why wait? Begin your development today!