In the News
An increase in encryption options is coming to Android devices! In Google Boosts Encryption For Low-End Android Devices, Lindsey O’Donnell at ThreatPost discusses a new storage encryption option for Android devices previously left unencrypted since running encryption can slow down specific models, and types of devices called Adiantum. O’Donnell explains that this new option will allow older and smaller devices such as smart watches to enable storage encryption and provide increased data protection for the device’s contents on top of previously available encryption for other devices.
Our Take
Encryption is a useful tool for adding layers of protection to your information. Whether it be storage encryption like that offered by Google or email encryption, which protects your email contents from being exposed, the general use of encryption is to provide you with more privacy and control over who has access to your information. The fact that many devices do not have any form of encryptions currently is potentially dangerous for the confidentiality of the data stored on such devices. While no one wants their devices to be so slowed down that they cease to serve a purpose, the need for a baseline level of encryption is vital in a society where data misuse and cyber-crime is rampant.
Recommendations
How can you protect the information stored on your devices?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Periodically check your applications for updates
- Use encryption on your emails app, and devices if you are discussing personal information
- Research the account platforms that you utilize to see if they offer additional security measures such as encryption
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Refrain from choosing passwords that contain a simple word or phrase–create strong passwords and change them periodically – the longer the better.
- Stay up to date on news covering recent breaches to see if you may have been affected