What types of information should be encrypted?

Sensitive information, including personally identifiable information (PII) and financial data, should always be encrypted to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. This type of information is particularly vulnerable and can be exploited by malicious actors. Encryption serves as a critical layer of security, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys.

When considering data protection strategies, prioritizing encryption for sensitive information is essential for maintaining privacy and complying with regulatory requirements. While the protection of all information is important, not all information poses the same level of risk if compromised. Public information and reports do not require encryption since they are intended for broad distribution, and legal documents and contracts, while important, may not need encryption unless they contain sensitive data. Encrypting only select types of information allows organizations to allocate resources efficiently and effectively where they are needed most.