Going Linux 476 · An intro to encryption

Larry Bushey Larry Bushey

This episode is an introductory guide to the fundamentals of encryption. We define essential terminology such as plaintext, ciphertext, and algorithms while distinguishing between symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. Beyond basic concepts, the source explores modern security applications like secure browsing and end-to-end messaging, alongside emerging technologies like post-quantum and homomorphic encryption. The episode emphasizes that digital privacy is a fundamental human right, protecting users from identity theft, mass surveillance, and data tampering. We highlight tools like Signal and Proton Mail to offer practical advice for maintaining digital trust in an increasingly data-driven world. The episode concludes by framing encryption as the primary defense for financial and personal safety in the modern era.

The following resources are mentioned in this episode:
  1. Cloudflare - What is encryption: https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ssl/what-is-encryption/
  2. Stormagic - Encryption beginners guide: https://stormagic.com/resources/beginners-guides/encryption-beginners-guide/
  3. Unitrends - Data encryption: https://www.unitrends.com/blog/data-encryption/
  4. Norton - What is encryption: https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/what-is-encryption
  5. Group IB - Encryption: https://www.group-ib.com/resources/knowledge-hub/encryption/
  6. Concentric AI - Advances in encryption technology: https://concentric.ai/advances-in-encryption-technology/#:~:text=Quantum%20Cryptography&text=With%20quantum%20computing%2C%20the%20security,unauthorized%20access%20to%20the%20data.&text=One%20of%20the%20pioneers%20of,coding%20was%20published%20on%20SIGACT.
  7. The Conversation - How encryption protects you: https://theconversation.com/are-private-conversations-truly-private-a-cybersecurity-expert-explains-how-end-to-end-encryption-protects-you-224477#:~:text=Signal%2C%20often%20heralded%20by%20cybersecurity%20experts%20as,its%20messaging%20and%20calling%20features%20by%20default.
  8. Medium - Post quantum algorithm updates: https://medium.com/@mickaelcanu/post-quantum-algorithm-updates-early-2026-9c7b2af1fd22#:~:text=Experts%20predict%20that%20post%E2%80%91quantum,algorithm%20swaps%20as%20standards%20evolve.
  9. Ted - Why we should all care about encryption: https://ideas.ted.com/why-we-should-all-care-about-encryption-really/#:~:text=The%20reality%20is%20we%20need,make%20the%20keys%20themselves%20useless.
  10. Signal: https://signal.org/
  11. Proton: https://proton.me/mail
  12. Our theme music is made with Suno AI: https://suno.com
Episode Time Stamps
00:00 Going Linux #476 · An intro to encryption  
01:10 Bill is still on Manjaro, Larry upgraded Linux Mint 
05:32 Encryption: definition 
06:28 Core concepts: plain text, cypher text 
06:44 Cypher text 
08:58 How it works 
09:48 The main types of encryption 
12:22 Key signing parties 
13:51 Common applications 
17:59 Cool new cryptographic techniques 
18:33 Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) 
21:43 Homomorphic Encryption (HE) 
27:17 Quantum Cryptography (Quantum Key Distribution) 
29:55 Biometric Encryption 
31:32 Why even care about encryption? 
32:25 How encryption makes stolen data useless 
33:22 Defending Against Mass Surveillance Preventing "Eavesdropping"  
34:18 Preserving Human Rights and Free Speech Protecting Vulnerable Groups  
36:09 Ensuring Data Integrity Anti-Tampering  
37:03 Maintaining Digital Trust Foundation of the Economy  
37:31 Ideas to protect you security 
39:25 Bill's final thoughts 
41:53 goinglinux.com, goinglinux@gmail.com, +1-904-468-7889, @goinglinux, feedback, listen, subscribe