Translations:Access and Data Security/80/en

C.     Encryption: Encryption is a computer technique that protects digital material by converting it into an incomprehensible, scrambled form. An encryption key is then created that needs to be used to unscramble the data and convert it back to original. Encryption can be applied at different levels, from a single file to an entire hard disk. However, encryption also adds to the complexity of the digital archiving process and should therefore be avoided if possible for archival copies. It is only effective when a third party does not have access to the encryption key in use, which is why the key needs to be safely stored and protected. The loss or destruction of these keys would result in data becoming inaccessible. Encryption must also be actively managed and updated to remain secure, since it can lose its effectiveness over time.