Why encryption is important for internet users

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Internet Society Tanzania Chapter (ISOC-TZ) has underscored the need for the internet users to use encryption when communicating online so as to make their information secure from hackers.

Encryption is the method by which information is converted into secret code that hides the information’s true meaning.

The science of encrypting and decrypting information is called cryptography. In computing, unencrypted data is also known as plaintext, and encrypted data is called ciphertext.

The formulas used to encode and decode messages are called encryption algorithms.

The association said since the government had introduced the personal data protection law last year, the application of encryption is another way of protecting the information.

President of the ISOC-TZ, Mr Nazarius Kirama, said, “In supporting the government, our organisation which deals with digital space matters and internet we thought it is important to provide training to various groups.”

On Thursday the ISOCTZ conducted training for journalists in Dar es Salaam over the use of encryption and its advantages.

Dubbed ‘Training on Encryption for Personal and National Security’ was conducted in Dar es Salaam.

“This time we decided to train journalists on the safety of digital information, we want to make journalists understand the importance of encryption in the digital space. We believe that when journalists understand they would be able to create awareness among members of the public,” Mr Kirama pointed out.

He encouraged the use of encryption to make communication between individuals and institutions as well as between institutions more secure and confidential.

Mr Kirama argued that data protection should be emphasised considering that nowadays there is big competition in the digital economy whereby competitors of the government may hack information for the purpose of sabotaging economic plans.

He added that public institutions need to ensure that digital information is confidential to avoid hacking by the country’s competitors.

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