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What Is File Transfer Encryption?

File Transfer Encryption Definition

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 25, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Antivirus Online Scams Social Media Scams Email Scams Phone & Texting Scams Encrypting data as it moves from one device to another is called file transfer encryption. File transfer encryption helps prevent someone, who may be listening or gathering information during a data transfer, from being able to read and understand what's being transferred. This kind of encryption is accomplished by scrambling the data into a non-human readable format, and then decrypting it back to a readable form once it has reached its destination. Westend61 / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images File transfer encryption is different from file storage encryption, which is the encryption of files that are stored on a device as opposed to when they are moved between devices.

When Is File Transfer Encryption Used

File transfer encryption is usually used only when data is moving from one computer to another computer or server over the internet, though it can also be seen in things much less long-distance, like wireless payment systems. Examples of data transfer activities that are usually encrypted include money transfers, sending/receiving emails, online purchases, logging in to websites, and more and more even during your standard web browsing. Several mobile messaging apps support a form of file transfer encryption called end-to-end-encryption, where messages in the form of data packets (small files) are encrypted between the sender and receiver. In each of these cases, file transfer encryption may be imposed so that the data isn't readable by anyone while it's moving from one place to another.

File Transfer Encryption Bit Rates

An application is likely to use a file transfer encryption algorithm that uses an encryption key that's either 128 or 256 bits in length. Both are extremely secure and unlikely to be broken by current technologies, but there is a difference between them that should be understood. The most prominent difference in these bit rates is how many times they repeat their algorithm to make the data unreadable. The 128-bit option will run 10 rounds, while the 256-bit one repeats its algorithm 14 times. All things considered, you shouldn't base whether to use one application over another simply because one uses 256-bit encryption and the other doesn't. Both are extremely secure, requiring a vast amount of computer power and a great deal of time to be broken.

File Transfer Encryption With Backup Software

Most online backup services will use file transfer encryption to secure data as they upload files online. This is important because the data you back up may be very personal and not something you'd be comfortable just anyone having access to. Without file transfer encryption, anyone with the technical know-how could intercept, and copy for themselves, whatever data is moving between your computer and the one that will be storing your backed up data. With encryption enabled, any interception of your files would be pointless because the data wouldn't make any sense. What Is Network Encryption? Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is File Storage Encryption? How to Lock a Folder in Windows 10 What Is a Cryptographic Hash Function? Dropbox vs. Google Drive What Is Network Encryption? How to Password Protect a Folder 3 Best Free Full Disk Encryption Programs How to Encrypt Data on an Android or iOS Device The 5 Best Secure Email Services for 2022 ENCRYPTED File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Encrypt Your Mac How to Encrypt Your Files and Why You Should What Is a Hard Disk Drive? 10 Best Free Email Accounts for 2022 AXX File (What It Is and How to Open One) What Is a Text File? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies