Examples of encryption “in transport:”
- HTTPS SSL: In a browser, an internet address that begins with “https://” indicates that SSL encryption is being used
- SSH or SFTP: A protocol for attaching to systems using an encrypted channel (e.g. PUTTY, a common free client software tool)
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): Technology that allows for an encrypted tunnel over the internet for communication between two endpoints; Mason supports a VPN solution for faculty and staff to securely connect to the university’s network resources
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RCP) with strong encryption: Connects to a Microsoft Windows workstation remotely; requires the Strong Encryption option to be “enabled” which is not the default setting in Windows operating systems
- Encrypted files sent with key/password exchanged through a separate type of communication: An example would be to send an encrypted file via email and then send the password via phone or fax. Multiple methods of encrypting files are available; some common ones include encryption built into WINZIP, PGP encryption. (The method of encryption used must be supported by both the sender and receiver of data.)
Last modified: October 6, 2020