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Encryption could soon become part of national debates over consumer issues ranging from data breaches to the safety of connected cars.

Not long ago, it was the sort of thing that only bankers, spies, and military leaders worried about. But, in today's digital world, encryption has become part of our everyday lives, protecting our ability to shop online, book flights, and hold private conversations.

According to Mozilla, the open-internet advocacy group that created the Firefox browser, 49.5 percent of global web traffic is now encryptedan increase of more than 10 percent in one year.

While security experts applaud that progress, they'd like to see even more encryption, to cut down on data breaches, identity theft, and the sort of hacks that could perhaps threaten the nation's power plants.

But not everyone views encryption as a force for good. For law enforcement officials, it's also a tool that allows thieves and terrorists to escape detection.

With a new administration in the White House, one vocal about fighting crime and stamping out terrorism, the debate over encryption's merits may soon surface once again.

Encryption may be central to many everyday transactions, but the issues can be tough to follow. Heres your cheat sheet.

Originally posted here:

Your Guide to the Encryption Debate - Consumer Reports - ConsumerReports.org