You are an IT security specialist and have been asked by a client to explain how encryption can help protect its network and data. The client is an accounting firm and stores and handles sensitive information related to employees and clients of the firm. The firm recently experienced a cyber-attack that exposed sensitive client information to hackers that gained access to its network and file shares. Based on what you have learned about encryption in this module, explain how encryption can help protect the firm’s data. Answer the following questions in your paper:

1. What encryption methods are available to secure data at both rest and in transit on the network.
2. Discuss why properly deploying and utilizing encryption can be challenging for an organization or company. How would you minimize some of these challenges?
3. Research a case where data was compromised to due lack of or ineffective encryption methods. Describe how the breach could have been avoided.

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

• Be 1-2 pages in length, not including the cover page and reference page.
• Follow the APA guidelines in the . Each paper should include an introduction, a body with at least two fully developed paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Support your answers with the readings from Module 5 and at least one scholarly journal article. The  is a great place to find resources.
• Be clearly and well written, concise, and logical, using excellent grammar and style techniques. You are being graded in part on the quality of your writing. If you need assistance with your writing style, start with the resources available at the .