What Is Data in Transit Encryption?

Updated on January 13, 2025

Data in transit encryption protects data as it moves between devices, servers, or networks, preventing unauthorized access. Whether you’re logging into online banking, uploading files to the cloud, or sending an email, data in transit encryption keeps  information secure on vulnerable networks.

This blog explains how data in transit encryption works, the threats it protects against, its benefits, and tips for using it effectively.

Definition and Core Concepts

What Does Data in Transit Encryption Mean? 

Data in transit encryption protects information while it’s being sent between two points. Unlike data at rest encryption, which secures stored data on devices or servers, this type of encryption keeps data private and secure during transmission.

Encryption Technologies You Should Know 

Several encryption technologies are commonly used to secure data in transit:

• TLS (Transport Layer Security): The backbone of secure communication on the internet, used in HTTPS connections. 
• IPSec (Internet Protocol Security): Encrypts and authenticates data at the network level, commonly used in VPNs. 
• SFTP/FTPS (Secure File Transfer Protocols): Ensures secure file transfers over the internet. 

IT administrators commonly use TLS and IPSec to encrypt network traffic and protect data during transmission.

How Data in Transit Encryption Works

Building Encrypted Communication Channels 

Securing data in transit typically begins with encryption protocols like TLS or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). These protocols create secure channels by encrypting data before transmission and decrypting it upon receipt.

The Role of Public and Private Keys 

Public and private keys are an essential part of encryption. Here’s how it works:

1. The sender encrypts data using the recipient’s public key.
2. Only the recipient’s private key can decrypt the message, ensuring confidentiality.

The SSL/TLS Handshake 

Take HTTPS, for example. When you connect to a secure website:

• Your browser verifies the website’s SSL/TLS certificate to ensure it’s legitimate. 
• Both parties exchange cryptographic keys to establish a secure communication channel. 

This process, known as a “handshake,” occurs within milliseconds, making it seamless for end users. 

Certificates play a crucial role by authenticating servers and providing assurance that data is being sent to the intended destination, eliminating tampering risks.

Common Threats to Data in Transit

No network is completely secure without proper encryption. Here are some common risks to data while it’s being transmitted:

• Eavesdropping: Bad actors intercept unencrypted data as it travels, such as during network communication over public Wi-Fi.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Hackers exploit unsecured connections by inserting themselves between senders and receivers to steal or manipulate data.
• Packet Sniffing: Attackers monitor and capture data packets traveling across networks, gaining access to sensitive information.
• Public Wi-Fi Risks: Data sent over unsecured networks, like those in cafes or airports, is easy to intercept.

Key Benefits of Data in Transit Encryption

Security is only one of the many benefits associated with encrypting data in transit:

• Confidentiality: Encryption ensures that unauthorized entities cannot access sensitive information. 
• Integrity: Prevents transmitted data from being tampered with or altered during transit. 
• Authentication: Verifies that the communicating parties are trustworthy and authentic. 
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to encryption standards is mandatory in industries regulated by GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others.

For IT professionals protecting enterprise networks, these benefits show why encrypting data in transit is essential.

Tools and Protocols for Data in Transit Encryption

To ensure robust encryption for data in transit, IT teams rely on specific tools and protocols:

• TLS/SSL for secure web traffic and email communication.
• IPSec for encrypting network-level communication, frequently used in VPN setups.
• HTTPS for encrypted browsing and secure online transactions.
• SFTP/FTPS for safely transferring files between platforms.
• Encrypted Messaging Apps for secure mobile and desktop communication (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp).

Each of these tools addresses unique business needs, ensuring flexibility and security.

Use Cases and Applications

The importance of encrypting network traffic cannot be overstated. Below are common use cases:

• Online Banking and E-Commerce: Secure financial transactions rely heavily on HTTPS to protect sensitive data like account passwords or credit card numbers. 
• Cloud Services: Encryption safeguards data exchanged between clients and cloud providers, ensuring safe document transfers and storage.
• Remote Work Security: VPNs with encrypted communication preserve data confidentiality for home-based employees handling sensitive information. 
• IoT Security: Encryption ensures that devices, ranging from smart thermostats to industrial IoT sensors, communicate securely. 

These applications illustrate why encrypting data in transit is essential across sectors.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its advantages, implementing data in transit encryption can present challenges:

• Performance Overhead: Encryption can slightly impact network speeds due to the computational resources required for data processing. 
• Certificate Management: Maintaining and renewing SSL/TLS certificates is crucial to avoid disruptions, but it requires meticulous attention. 
• Compatibility Issues: Ensuring that all devices support the necessary encryption protocols is essential for seamless integration. 
• Evolving Threats: Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly complex, so staying updated with the latest encryption standards is critical.

Key Terms Appendix 

• Data in Transit Encryption: The process of securing data as it moves between endpoints to prevent unauthorized access.
• TLS (Transport Layer Security): A protocol for encrypting data in transit over a network, widely used in secure web browsing.
• IPSec: A suite of protocols designed for encrypting and authenticating network communications, commonly used in VPNs.
• HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, which combines HTTP with TLS/SSL for secure web browsing.
• SSL Certificate: A digital certificate that authenticates website identity and enables encrypted connections.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MitM): A cyberattack where the attacker intercepts and alters communication between two parties without detection.
• Packet Sniffing: The unauthorized interception and capture of data packets as they travel across a network.