Game-Changing Best Practices for Encryption IT Executives Rely On 

Why Encryption Remains the Cornerstone of Data Protection 

Safeguarding sensitive client data is a critical responsibility for IT executives. Technology and security leaders must protect information not only from external cybercriminals but also from insider threats, accidental mishandling, and compliance risks. Implementing the best practices for encryption remains one of the most effective and trusted strategies to ensure data protection across all levels.

Gallop Technology Group, a trusted managed IT and cybersecurity partner, works closely with compliance-driven organizations—such as law firms, financial institutions, and healthcare providers—to design encryption solutions that are both effective and practical. From data protection encryption policies to advanced cloud hosting with encryption, Gallop helps businesses stay ahead of threats while maintaining compliance and building client trust. 

This article explores the best practices for encryption IT executives can rely on, the types of encryption available, and the strategic role encryption plays in organizational security. 

Understanding the Value of Encryption for IT Executives 

Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format that cannot be read without the correct decryption key. To unauthorized users, encrypted data is meaningless. For IT executives, this means encryption is not just a technical layer but a safeguard that ensures sensitive data remains protected even in the worst-case scenario of a breach. 

Why Encryption Matters for Leaders 

• Protecting Client Data: When laptops, servers, or mobile devices are lost or stolen, encryption ensures client information remains inaccessible. 

• Regulatory Compliance: Encryption is explicitly required by regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS. Noncompliance risks not just penalties but reputational damage. 

• Mitigating Breaches: Encrypted data is useless to hackers without the proper keys, significantly lowering the risk of exposure. 

• Strengthening Trust: Clients and partners expect their data to be handled with care. Encryption to protect data demonstrates a commitment to security and integrity. 

Encryption is more than a tool—it is a business imperative that underpins data security strategies across industries. 

Types of Encryption Every IT Executive Should Know 

IT executives must understand the different encryption methods to apply them effectively. Each type has specific use cases and benefits: 

File and Disk Encryption 

• Protects laptops, desktops, and servers by encrypting entire storage devices. 

• Tools like BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS) offer full-disk encryption that prevents unauthorized access. 

• Example: A law firm encrypts attorney laptops so that if a device is stolen, client case files remain protected. 

Email Encryption 

• Safeguards sensitive communications between clients, employees, and partners. 

• Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace provide policy-based encryption that activates when confidential data is detected. 

• Example: A healthcare provider encrypts all outbound emails that contain patient data to maintain HIPAA compliance. 

Cloud Encryption 

• Encrypts data stored and transmitted through cloud services. 

• Vital for organizations adopting hybrid or fully cloud-based systems. 

• Example: An accounting firm encrypts QuickBooks hosting data to prevent unauthorized access from shared environments. 

Web Traffic Encryption 

• SSL/TLS certificates protect the integrity of web communications. 

• Critical for e-commerce, client portals, and applications that exchange sensitive information. 

• Example: A financial advisor ensures all client portal logins and transactions are encrypted using TLS 1.3. 

Best Practices for Encryption That Strengthen Security 

Utilize Strong Encryption Standards 

IT executives should adopt AES-256 or stronger algorithms across all devices and applications. Weak encryption leaves data vulnerable, while advanced standards deliver reliable protection against brute-force attacks. 

Establish Robust Key Management 

Keys are the backbone of encryption. Best practices for encryption emphasize: 

• Regular rotation of encryption keys. 

• Secure storage of keys in hardware security modules (HSMs). 

• Limited access rights for staff handling encryption keys. 

Without strong key management, encryption efforts can be easily undermined. 

Implement Enterprise-Wide Policies 

Policies ensure consistency across the organization: 

• Automatic encryption for portable devices. 

• Mandatory encryption for all removable storage. 

• Rules to automatically encrypt emails containing Social Security numbers or financial data. 

Train and Empower Employees 

Employee awareness is critical. Regular training sessions can cover: 

• Recognizing secure communication methods. 

• Understanding how and when to encrypt files. 

• Consequences of failing to use encryption properly. 

Monitor and Audit Continuously 

Encryption protocols evolve, and vulnerabilities are discovered over time. Regular audits help IT executives: 

• Identify outdated algorithms. 

• Ensure compliance with current regulatory requirements. 

• Close potential gaps before they are exploited. 

Expanding Encryption into Every Layer of Business 

Encryption should not be siloed to IT departments alone—it must be woven into the fabric of business processes. 

• Data at Rest: All files, databases, and backup archives should be encrypted. 

• Data in Transit: Emails, instant messages, and data transfers between systems must be encrypted end-to-end. 

• Data in Use: Technologies such as homomorphic encryption are emerging to allow computations on encrypted data without exposing raw information. 

By implementing data encryption best practices across every layer, organizations reduce risk and demonstrate maturity in cybersecurity governance. 

Overcoming Common Encryption Challenges 

IT executives often encounter roadblocks when rolling out encryption. Recognizing and addressing these challenges early prevents adoption slowdowns: 

• Performance Impact: Modern encryption can slightly slow down systems. Solutions include hardware acceleration and efficient algorithms. 

• Integration Difficulties: Legacy systems may not support modern encryption. Migration strategies are needed to phase out outdated technologies. 

• User Resistance: Staff may complain about encryption as an inconvenience. Executives can counter this with clear communication and seamless tools that minimize friction. 

• Complex Key Management: A centralized system for handling keys simplifies security and compliance efforts.