Data security with encrypted forms
Protecting data integrity and confidentiality is crucial in a world where sensitive information flows freely across the internet, and data breaches and cyber threats are rampant. When it comes to online forms, where users entrust personal details, financial information, or confidential company data, the need for robust security measures becomes even more critical.
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Understanding encryption: What are encrypted forms?
Encryption is a process that transforms plain text data (like names, addresses, or credit card numbers) into an unreadable format. So, when a user submits information through an encrypted form, that data is transformed into an unreadable format.
Why use encrypted online forms?
Enhanced data security
Encryption scrambles sensitive data, making it impossible for unauthorized individuals to access it. This is particularly important for collecting confidential information like Social Security numbers or proprietary business data.
Compliance with regulations
Many industries and data protection regulations, like HIPAA or GDPR, mandate specific data security measures. Encrypted forms can help you demonstrate compliance with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.
Risk mitigation
Encryption reduces the risk of data breaches and the potential reputational damage that can result from such incidents.
Building user trust
By prioritizing data security with encryption, you demonstrate to users that you take their privacy seriously. This fosters trust and encourages them to feel comfortable submitting sensitive information through your online forms.
Zoho Forms: Securing data at field level
When users enter their information in your online forms, they are trusting you to keep their data safe. Zoho Forms is designed to help you fulfill this critical responsibility with field-level encryption as an extra layer of security for your most sensitive data. You can easily encrypt the data stored in designated fields containing sensitive information, like Social Security numbers.
Build the form
Create a new form or edit an existing one. Add all necessary fields to collect the required information.
Identify sensitive fields
Determine which fields on your form contain sensitive data that requires additional security, such as health information of a patient, Social Security numbers, or other confidential business information. Focus on encrypting the most critical fields containing the most sensitive data.
Enable encryption
For each field that requires encryption, navigate to the field properties in the form builder, and look for the option to encrypt under privacy. Check out the step-by-step instructions to encrypt fields.
Test form submission
Submit a test form entry to ensure that data is being encrypted correctly.
Best practices for using encrypted forms
Select a form builder platform that offers built-in encryption functionalities and aligns with your specific security requirements and budget.
Only collect the data you need. Minimizing the amount of sensitive information collected improves customer trust and reduces the risk of exposure.
Clearly communicate to users that your forms utilize encryption to safeguard their data in the form description. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to data security.
Regularly audit your encrypted forms to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.
Mobile-friendly encryption: Secure your data on all devices
We understand that business doesn't stop when you leave your desk. That's why Zoho Forms is mobile-ready by default. Build forms with encrypted forms on the go from your mobile device, even when you are away from your computer. A sudden internet outage won't disrupt your workflows either, because Zoho Forms allows users to submit forms even when offline. The data is stored securely on the user's device and automatically synced to your Zoho Forms account once an internet connection is re-established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is encryption, and why is it important for online forms?
Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable format to prevent unauthorized access. It's crucial for online forms because it ensures that sensitive information, such as personal details or health information, is protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Can encrypted forms help with regulatory compliance?
Yes, encrypted forms help comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA by ensuring that sensitive data is securely stored.
How to encrypt a form field in Zoho Forms?
To encrypt a field,
In the Form Builder, go to the Properties of the field.
Under Privacy, select Encrypt.
What are the form fields that can be encrypted?
Basic Fields: Single Line, Multi Line, Number, Name, Address, Phone, Email, Date, Date-Time, Website, File Upload, Image Upload, Audio/Video
Advanced Fields: Signature, Unique ID