The existence of quantum computers on the horizon has shaken the cryptography world, and researchers and scientists have received a massive response to build feasible Post-Quantum Cryptography (PCQ). Recently, Apple has taken an enormous step forward by announcing their own PCQ systems, PQ3, in Apple devices. Learn more about PCQ and Apple’s announcement and the… Read More
Biometric Encryption and Protecting Personal Data
With traditional passwords becoming increasingly vulnerable to breaches, the focus has shifted towards more secure and unique identifiers – our biometric data. Biometric encryption stands at the forefront of this evolution, merging individual biological traits’ uniqueness with cryptographic techniques’ robustness. This article will discuss how biometric encryption works, its applications, and challenges in the rapidly… Read More
What Is Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and How Is it Related to NIST?
Our digital age is rooted in the exchange of data, and therefore security of that data. Obfuscation, or encryption, has served as the backbone of that security for decades. As threats have evolved and attackers have found new and more sophisticated ways to break encryptions, it has been up to experts to provide solutions. In… Read More
Post-Quantum Cryptography and the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act
Quantum computing has long been a theoretical idea with limited practical application. The only usable quantum computers were only available to cutting-edge researchers supported by massive corporations or government-funded universities. As time has passed, however, these researchers have begun to make massive strides in making quantum computing realizable in a way that could impact modern… Read More
What Is In-Transit Cryptography?
Data encryption is a crucial part of cybersecurity. The standard data states (at rest, in transit, and use) all present unique and challenging vulnerabilities that can expose that data to unauthorized parties. No vulnerability is more apparent than having that data stolen and viewed by people who shouldn’t be looking. That’s where in-transit encryption comes… Read More
Timeline for PCI DSS 4.0: The Fourth Requirement and In-Transit Encryption
As we move through the requirements of PCI DSS 4.0, we’ve reached the point where the standard specifies what it means to protect data as it moves through and outside of private and public networks. Encryption seems like a no-brainer, but in many cases, organizations have no idea how to manage their encryption approach properly.… Read More
Timeline for PCI DSS 4.0: The Third Requirement and Protecting Stored Data
While having only 12 requirements might make PCI DSS seem like a simple standard, each requirement is incredibly important and, if you aren’t paying attention, can specify practices you aren’t implementing. In the case of the third requirement, this could mean that you’re not actually protecting the most critical data that is in your possession–that… Read More
Protecting PAN According to PCI DSS Rules
It’s crucial that any company handling consumer cardholder information, including card numbers, protect that information from any and every unauthorized user. The PCI Security Standards Council has determined that to promote security and usability, it’s not enough to secure a system perimeter and encrypt data. Instead, companies have to approach data obfuscation through a series… Read More
Encryption and NIST FIPS 140 (FIPS 140-2)
In April 2022, NIST stopped accepting applications for validation certificates for the FIPS 140-2 standard of security in lieu of the updated FIPS 140-3. While many companies are still waiting for their FIPS 140-2 certification (if they got their application in before the April deadline), many are now considering adopting the new 140-3 standard. But,… Read More