[Mile2Test]

Discuss the value of cryptography methodology and the various uses to ensure the integrity of data.

[Seth Brumfield]

Cryptography is a fundamental component of modern cybersecurity that helps protect data from unauthorized access, modification, and disclosure. Its primary purpose is to secure information by converting readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) that can only be accessed by authorized users possessing the correct decryption key. Cryptography plays a critical role in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of data across networks, devices, and applications. During the application security the professor talked about how some apps don’t prioritize security and they might actually be transmitting data in plain text. It is good to make sure that we understand the vulnerabilities so that we don’t accidently leak our info. I personally don’t have anything encrypted but after these lessons I think I might encrypt my flash drives and removable storage. It has highlighted how vulnerable my cyber experience could be!

[Eugene Estes]

Cryptography really is eye‑opening once you see how often data travels in plain text. Your reflection shows why these lessons matter: understanding vulnerabilities helps prevent accidental exposure. Encrypting flash drives and removable storage is a smart next step. Even small protections significantly strengthen your overall security posture and reduce everyday cyber risks.

[Seth Brumfield]

Thanks for the reply! Do you use any encryption? I think it is one thing to read about all this security stuff, and another thing to apply it. I think plain text could be useful in some situations. I have a 3D printer that is owned by a Chinese company, and they were using opensource software, and people were adding to that software. Now the company is still using the software, but encrypting all the text and communications to the machines so now people can’t add to the software or use it other than the company wants.

[Eugene Estes]

Cryptography is the process of safeguarding data by transforming it into a secure format that only authorized people can access or comprehend. Because it helps shield sensitive data from theft, unauthorized access, and manipulation, it is one of the most crucial security technologies utilized in contemporary businesses. Cryptography has become crucial for preserving the secrecy, integrity, and validity of data as companies depend more and more on digital communication and electronic storage systems.
The capacity of cryptography to guarantee data integrity is one of its main advantages. The precision, consistency, and reliability of information throughout its lifecycle are referred to as data integrity. Businesses require confirmation that data has not been altered, interfered with, or distorted during transmission or storage. This goal is aided by cryptographic methods like hashing. Data is given a distinct digital fingerprint using a hash function. The resulting hash value will instantly show that the data has changed if even one character in the original data has changed.
Encryption is another crucial cryptographic technique. Using a mathematical algorithm and a cryptographic key, encryption converts readable data into unintelligible cipher-text. The original data can only be decrypted and accessed by those who possess the correct key. To prevent unwanted access to financial records, customer information, emails, online transactions, and private company documents, encryption is frequently utilized.
Another useful cryptography tool is digital signatures. They certify the sender’s identity and the legitimacy of a message or document. Organizations may make sure that data comes from reliable sources and hasn’t been altered in transit by using digital signatures. This feature is especially crucial for secure conversations, online banking, and electronic contracts.
Encrypted internet protocols like HTTPS, VPNs, and encrypted email systems also make extensive use of cryptography. These technologies safeguard data while it moves over networks and the internet.

[Logan Krape]

Hi Eugene, I really enjoyed reading your post. I think it’s key to emphasize how important cryptography has become today, with the amount of information we store as well as communicate with others digitally. Since learning about encryption, I have found it to be very interesting. I used to wonder why iMessage always said encrypted. Now that I’ve learned about encryption and understand it, I know that it says that to ensure that the receiver and the sender are the only two that can access the iMessage. Now that I know this, I really do understand its importance and how it protects us even in our everyday lives.

[Lenay Nichols]

I do agree that cryptography plays a critical role in protecting sensitive information and maintaining data integrity. I think hashing is interesting because even a small change to the original data will create a completely different hash value, making it easier to detect tampering. I also like that you mentioned digital signatures. Many people think cryptography is only about encryption, but digital signatures are just as important because they help verify the sender’s identity and ensure information has not been altered. Trust is good, but verification is even better.

[Lenay Nichols]

The value of cryptography is that it helps keep sensitive information secure while also ensuring the integrity of data. There are several ways cryptography helps protect data. Encryption helps keep information private by preventing unauthorized users from reading it. Hashing creates a unique digital fingerprint that can detect whether data has been modified. Digital signatures help verify the identity of the sender and confirm that the information has not been tampered with during transmission. For example, when we use use Instagram and we send a private message, encryption helps keep the conversation private so only the intended recipient can read it. Hashing and digital signatures help verify the message has not been altered and it came from the correct sender. These methods help keep information safe and reliable.

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