What are the top practices to secure data in transit?

1 Use encryption

Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format using a secret key or algorithm. It prevents unauthorized access or tampering with the data in transit, as only the intended recipient can decrypt it with the correct key or algorithm. There are different types of encryption, such as symmetric, asymmetric, or hybrid, and different protocols, such as SSL/TLS, IPsec, or SSH, that can be used to encrypt data in transit. Depending on the type and protocol, encryption can be applied at different layers of the network stack, such as the application, transport, or network layer.

2 Use authentication

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity and legitimacy of the parties involved in the data transfer. It ensures that the data in transit is sent and received by the intended and authorized entities, and not by impostors or attackers. Authentication can be done using various methods, such as passwords, tokens, certificates, or biometrics. It can also be combined with encryption to provide a higher level of security, such as in SSL/TLS, which uses certificates to authenticate the server and optionally the client.

3 Use integrity checks

Integrity checks are the process of ensuring that the data in transit is not altered, corrupted, or deleted by any error or attack. It involves adding a checksum, hash, or signature to the data before sending it, and verifying it at the destination. If the checksum, hash, or signature does not match, it indicates that the data has been compromised or damaged in transit. Integrity checks can be done using various algorithms, such as CRC, MD5, SHA, or HMAC, and can also be integrated with encryption and authentication protocols, such as SSL/TLS or IPsec.

4 Use secure protocols

Secure protocols are the set of rules and standards that govern how data is transmitted and exchanged over the network. They provide various security features, such as encryption, authentication, integrity checks, or session management, to secure data in transit. Some of the common secure protocols are SSL/TLS, IPsec, SSH, HTTPS, SFTP, or VPN. They can be applied at different levels of the network stack, such as the application, transport, or network layer, depending on the type and purpose of the data transfer.

5 Use firewall and VPN

Firewall and VPN are two technologies that can help secure data in transit by creating a secure tunnel or boundary between different networks or devices. A firewall is a device or software that monitors and filters the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. It blocks or allows the traffic based on the source, destination, port, protocol, or content of the data. A VPN is a service or software that creates a virtual private network over a public network, such as the internet. It encrypts and routes the data through a secure server, hiding the real IP address and location of the user. Both firewall and VPN can help prevent unauthorized access, interception, or modification of the data in transit.