It’s 2023 and in today’s digital world, data security is key. However, it’s a topic that doesn’t get the attention it needs.

Recent studies showed that critical cyber threats are on the rise and that it’s more important than ever to protect sensitive data like client records, financial records, tax records, or other highly sensitive documents from these attacks.

But how can you protect yourself against cyber-attacks and digital scams? The easiest way to do this is by using file encryption software.  This type of software offers a high level of security by encrypting sensitive files and making them unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the proper decryption key to access them.

In this article, we will discuss what businesses and individuals should look for in file encryption software, regarding Zero Trust Data Security, Access Control, GDPR Compliance, Secure File Sharing, AES256 encryption, Data Loss Prevention, Ransomware Protection, and CMMC Compliance.

Must-Have Features: Encryption Software

Zero Trust Data Security:

Zero Trust Data Security (ZTDS) is, in its most basic form, a philosophy that assumes that all networks and systems are vulnerable to attacks. This means that even trusted users and devices are treated as potentially malicious until they can be verified.

This should include verifying user identities, monitoring network traffic, and using multi-factor authentication to confirm the identity of us

Access Control:

Access Control is the process of managing who can access sensitive files or data and what they can do with it or how they can change it.

This should include customizable access control features, for instance in granting access to specific users and groups, setting permissions for different types of information, and tracking all access to sensitive information.

GDPR Compliance:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of regulations designed to protect the privacy and personal data of (EU) citizens. The file encryption software of your choice should be completely GDPR compliant, which means that it meets the standards set by the regulation.

This should include secure storage of personal data, reporting data breaches, and providing users with the right to be forgotten/deleted.

Secure File Sharing:

File sharing is an essential part of day-to-day business operations, be that via email, slack, or even social platforms. Good file encryption software should include secure file-sharing capabilities that allow businesses to share sensitive information securely, fast, and easily.

This should include encrypted emails + attachments, secure file transfers (shareable), and the ability to share encrypted information with third parties (clients, other businesses, etc.).

AES 256 Encryption:

AES-256-bit encryption is a highly secure encryption algorithm that is widely used in file encryption software. This encryption algorithm provides a high level of security by using a 256-bit encryption key to encrypt sensitive information.

This should include AES 256 encryption (not AES-128)

Data Loss Prevention:

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is used to prevent the accidental or intentional loss of sensitive files, data, or information.

This should include DLP features that help businesses prevent data loss by monitoring the movement of sensitive information and preventing it from being transferred outside of the company’s servers/network. This includes tracking all access to sensitive information, monitoring file transfers, and using encryption to protect sensitive information.

Ransomware Protection:

Ransomware is a malicious type of software that encrypts sensitive information and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key.

This should include the latest technology to protect against Ransomware.

CMMC Compliance:

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a set of standards to help ensure the security of sensitive data in the US Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain.

This should in include meeting the security requirements of the DoD. There are only a few encryption solutions out there that can provide this. We recommend checking out AnchorMyData and reading their CMMC article: CMMC support with Anchormydata.com.

Our recommendation

Businesses and individuals alike should consider using file encryption software to protect sensitive files from cyber-attacks. Good file encryption software should include key features like Zero Trust Data Security (ZTDS), Access Control, GDPR Compliance, Secure File Sharing, AES-256 encryption, Data Loss Prevention, Ransomware Protection, and additionally offer support for CMMC Compliance.

By choosing the right file encryption solution, that includes these key features, businesses, and individuals can ensure that their sensitive information is protected and secure and they can avoid costly data breaches.