College life comes with coffee, classes, and (if you are doing it right) a good dose of cybersecurity smarts. Whether you are applying for internships, writing essays, or handling sensitive data during a research project, there is one digital superhero you need to know: encryption.

Let us break it down in a way that is informative and easy to remember so that you can encrypt and chill.

What is Encryption?

Encryption is like putting your data in an invisible vault that only the right key (a digital certificate or password) can open. It turns your readable information (plaintext) into unreadable gibberish (ciphertext). Unless someone has the right key, they cannot make sense of it.

Think of it like sending a secret message to a friend using a code that only you two understand. Even if someone intercepts it, all they will see is nonsense.

Why Is Encryption Important at Broward College?

Encryption is your digital bodyguard. It protects you from:

  • Hackers snooping on public Wi-Fi at libraries or cafés near campus
  • Identity thieves are trying to steal personal information
  • Malicious insiders misusing shared computers or networks
  • Data leaks if your laptop or USB drive gets lost or stolen

It is not just for tech businesses or tech pros- you need it too.

The Risk of Not Encrypting

Skipping encryption is like walking around with your Social Security number tattooed on your forehead.

Without encryption:

  • Private messages can be read by strangers
  • Credit card numbers can be swiped by cybercriminals
  • Personal essays, files, and even photos could be misused or exposed
  • Your school or internship could get into legal trouble if you mishandle PII or PHI

What Data Needs to be Encrypted?

You should encrypt anything that would hurt you (or others) if it were exposed. This includes:

  • PII (Personally Identifiable Information): Full name, address, SSN, student ID, phone number
  • PHI (Protected Health Information): Medical records or health insurance details
  • Financial Info: Credit card numbers, banking, or FAFSA data
  • Academic Records: Assignments, test scores, grades, feedback
  • Work/Internship Data: Reports, research files, or sensitive documentation

How to Encrypt Data

Emails (Outlook 365 for BC students and staff):

  • Type encrypt in square brackets [encrypt] in the body of your email to signal your institution's secure email system to encrypt the message
  • Use tools like Virtru, ProtonMail, or built-in encryption from Outlook 365 or Gmail (with add-ons)
  • Always encrypt email attachments- never raw files with PII

Personal Laptop Hard Drive:

  • Windows: Use BitLocker (Settings > Update & Security > Device Encryption)
  • Mac: Use FileVault (System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault)

Flash Drives:

  • Windows: Use BitLocker To Go
  • Mac: Use Disk Utility > Select USB > "Encrypt"
  • Never share passwords through text or email

Files in Office Apps (Excel, Word, PowerPoint):

  • Go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password
  • Choose a strong password (and do not forget it—there is no recovery)

PDFs (Using Adobe Acrobat):

  • Open the file in Adobe Acrobat
  • Go to File > Properties > Security
  • Choose Password Security, and enable encryption
  • Set a password to open or edit the file

Use Signal for Encrypted Messaging

Signal is a free, open-source app that encrypts texts, calls, and attachments end-to-end. That means only you and the person you are messaging can read what is being said, not even Signal developers can spy on you.

Integrity Protection & Encryption Apps

Encryption ensures integrity, meaning the file or message has not been altered.

Useful tools and apps:

  • 7-Zip and WinRAR: Compress and encrypt files with a password
  • NordLocker or AxCrypt: Easy encryption for folders and cloud files
  • Checksums (like SHA-256): Let you verify that a file has not been tampered with

Best Practices: Protect What You Encrypt

Encryption is not magic. You have to follow good habits too:

  • Access to PII should be limited. Only access what you need
  • Store encrypted data in secure systems, not random USB drives or open cloud folders
  • Password-protect all PII files, even inside secure folders
  • Use strong, unique passwords; consider a password manager such as 1Password or LastPass
  • Be vigilant against phishing and social engineering
    • If someone asks for a password or sensitive information, verify their identity
    • Do not click suspicious links or open sketchy attachments

Encryption is not just for IT or cybersecurity majors—it is for every Broward College student and employee who values privacy, professionalism, and digital responsibility. Whether you are emailing a professor, writing a term paper, or working with sensitive data during an internship, encryption keeps your work—and your reputation—safe.

So lock it down like a pro, because smart Seahawks encrypt everything.