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Home / Glossary / Encryption
Glossary · Security

Encryption

In plain language

Scrambling information so only someone with the right key can read it.

The metaphor

Like a letter written in a code that only you and the recipient know: anyone who intercepts the envelope sees gibberish.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Data in transit is scrambled between your computer and the website (the padlock).
  • Data at rest is scrambled on the disk, so a lost laptop reveals nothing.
  • The key decides who can read it, so the keys need protecting too.
  • Email encryption is a separate step that needs both sides set up.

How WILDCARD handles it

Cloud covers the Microsoft 365 or Google settings that protect your data. Domain Security and Managed Hosting keep the certificates behind your website's padlock current.

In practice
  • A clinic turns on full-disk encryption on every laptop that leaves the building.
  • A law firm sends client documents through an encrypted portal.
  • A shop checks that its website shows the padlock.

A question owners ask

If a laptop is encrypted and stolen, am I off the hook? Encryption means the thief cannot read the files, which greatly lowers the risk. A written record of the encryption setting helps if anyone asks.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Cloud
Start with Cloud
Domain
Security
  • Email deliverability
  • Reputation monitoring
  • Management and renewals
Start with Domain SecurityMeet Domain Security →
Managed
Hosting
  • Hosting, managed
  • Updates and backups handled
  • Uptime watched
Start with Managed Hosting
Related terms
AAAAuthentication, Authorization, and AccountingACLAccess Control ListAdmin accountAESAdvanced Encryption StandardAES-256Advanced Encryption Standards 256-bitAIArtificial IntelligenceAPIApplication Programming InterfaceBECBusiness Email Compromise

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