Difference Between Hardware & Software Encryption
For the sake of security, many people want to encrypt the files on their computers so the information is not viewable to anyone who does not have the proper access key. In such cases, some have difficulty deciding between hardware- and software-based encryption methods.
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Basic Description
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Software-based encryption keeps users from accessing files without the proper password or key that is typed into the computer. Hardware-Based encryption keeps users from accessing files unless they have an actual, physical key--usually a USB device--that the user must insert before proceeding.
Misconceptions
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Although many seem to think that merely having encryption in place makes them safe, this is not necessarily the case. Sometimes, hackers can bypass encryption, especially software-based encryption.
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Benefits of Software-Based Encryption
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Software-based encryption is much simpler to employ. It simply requires the installation of a particular software module onto your computer. The key for software-based encryption, not being an actual object, is something that cannot simply be lost or misplaced. Also, it is relatively easy to extend access to various users.
Benefits of Hardware-Based Encryption
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Hardware-based encryption is generally much faster than software-based encryption. When you install software-based encryption, the extra layer of computing slows down your computer, which may necessitate hardware modifications such as adding more processors anyway. Hardware-based encryption requires no such additional computing strain on the part of the computer. Furthermore, hardware-based encryption generally has more integrity than software-based encryption, because a hacker usually cannot bypass it without being on location and disassembling the computer itself.
Expert Consensus
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Experts generally agree that hardware-based encryption is superior to software-based encryption because it affects computing speed so much less and because it is more difficult to bypass. Only in cases where scalability of access is very important do experts suggest software-based encryption as the best option.
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References
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