SMEs logo. [Photo/capital.com]According to statistics, human error is second only to malicious actors when it comes to the most commonly cited root cause of data leaks. However, these can be avoided by deploying an easy to use a solution such as encryption.As it is said, in cybersecurity, there is no silver bullet.There is no single product or service that can handle all the potential cyber-threats out there. This applies to encryption as well, which alongside firewalls form perhaps the strongest line of protection in many instances.Despite its many advantages Encryption still has limitations that need to be taken into consideration as far as one’s specific needs are concerned. There will always be the need for some encryption to be carried out by the user, based on operational cyber-security policy and training. It is important that these be user-friendly, to avoid instances of employees trying to find alternatives such as breaking company rules.It also makes sharing encrypted data within a pre-defined group quick, easy and in many cases, transparent for the user.The solution you choose should be scalable so that you can easily add advanced features if necessary. As well as flexible it should enable you to vary enforced cyber-security policies and keys, helping you to keep a strong default configuration.A product that does not require reinstallation for upgrades or renewals is most preferable. To better manage costs, choose an encryption solution that offers a perpetual or subscription license that should include maintenance and support.A standardized solution that employs industry-standard encryption algorithms offers better assurances, especially when combined with a sophisticated key sharing system for secure data exchange among users. Standards to check against include the rigorous FIPS-140-2 standard in the US, validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa