Whether internet communication is accessible only to its participants – or to third parties as well – depends on encryption. Encryption is a crucial tool for preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data protection and security.
This digital security tool – encryption has various levels and types, which were presented by cybersecurity engineer Areg Shmavonyan during the event titled “Encryption: The Key to a Safe Internet”, organized by the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO.
More than 50 students from four educational institutions participated in the event, including Yerevan State University, Armenian State University of Economics, French University in Armenia, and the State College of Informatics.
“Encrypt your communication on online platforms and keep your personal, financial, legal and even basic location data away from prying eyes and ears,”
urged Areg Shmavonyan during his talk.
He also explained the encryption mechanisms used in popular applications, emphasizing that in some apps (such as Signal and WhatsApp), encryption is automatic, while in others (like Telegram), it is optional and must be activated by the user.
The audience was introduced to the main types of encryption:
- Symmetric Encryption – The same key is used for both encryption and decryption. It is fast but requires high security in key storage.
- Asymmetric Encryption – Involves a pair of public and private keys. The public key is used to encrypt data, while the private key decrypts it. This method is widely used for electronic signatures and establishing secure communication.
- End-to-End Encryption – Ensures that only the sender and the recipient can access the content of a message, completely excluding third-party access.
The use of encryption is also a sign of responsible and safe internet behavior.
