Ijsra 2024 1210
Ijsra 2024 1210
Omolara Patricia Olaiya 1, *, Temitayo Oluwadamilola Adesoga 1, Azeez Adekunle Adebayo 2, Fehintola
Moyosore Sotomi 3, Oluwaseun Aaron Adigun 4 and Paschal M Ezeliora 5
1College of Business, Auburn University, USA.
2 WorldQuant University, LA, USA.
3 Skillmatch Limited, Lagos, Nigeria.
4 Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Nigeria.
5 Marshall School of Business, USC, Los Angeles, USA.
Publication history: Received on 20 May 2024; revised on 26 June 2024; accepted on 29 June 2024
Abstract
In the dynamic world of financial technology (Fintech), securing financial data is a key priority. Increasing digital
connectivity, adoption of cloud-based services requiring complex measures to protect the integrity, privacy and
availability of sensitive information. Encryption techniques are emerging as a key tool to achieve these goals about itself
by converting plaintext into ciphertext, protected from unauthorized access and probability violations. This review
paper examines the various encryption techniques required to secure financial information in fintech applications. The
main methods described include symmetric encryption, asymmetric and hybrid encryption techniques. Additionally,
the function of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is discussed in terms of protecting data privacy while it is being sent,
which is essential for safeguarding sensitive financial activities such as mobile banking and digital payments. With its
sophisticated method of permitting calculations on encrypted data without the need for decryption, homomorphic
encryption shows promise for facilitating safe data analysis in Fintech settings while preserving data confidentiality.
Each encryption method is scrutinized in terms of its strengths, weaknesses and practical applications in Fintech.
Considerations such as computing efficiency, scalability, and regulatory compliance are addressed to provide insights
for optimizing data protection strategies while adhering to industry standards and regulatory frameworks. The future
of Fintech security is expected to be shaped by new developments in encryption technology, including post-quantum
cryptography, artificial intelligence integration for adaptive security measures, and privacy-preserving solutions. The
goal of these advancements is to strengthen the robustness of financial data security techniques in an increasingly linked
digital world while mitigating changing cyber risks.
1. Introduction
Financial technology (Fintech) has revolutionized the financial services landscape, providing unprecedented
convenience, accessibility and innovation through digital platforms and solutions. [1]. From mobile banking apps to
cryptocurrency exchanges, fintech applications have reshaped how individuals and businesses manage their finances,
communicate and invest in assets around the world. Digital transformation has not only democratized access to financial
services but has also created new challenges in terms of financial information and the need to protect against evolving
cyber threats.
One of the main concerns associated with the move to digital financial services is the possibility of financial data
breaches [2]. The prevalence of online financial transactions and the storage and transmission of sensitive data,
* Corresponding author: Omolara Patricia Olaiya
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 12(01), 2942–2949
including payment details, personal identifiers, and transaction histories, increases the vulnerability of these data to
malicious actors attempting to gain unauthorized access. [3] [4]. Such breaches have serious repercussions, which might
include identity theft, money loss, deterioration of consumer confidence, and legal fines. As a result, Fintech businesses
have a strong incentive to have strong security measures in place to guarantee the privacy, availability, and integrity of
financial data [5].
The main objective of this research paper is to delve into the critical role of encryption techniques in improving the
security level of fintech applications. Encryption acts as a cornerstone in protecting financial information through
transparency readable which turns it into ciphertext encoded using sophisticated algorithms and cryptographic keys,
reducing the risks of interference, tampering and theft, thus promoting trust and confidence in digital financial
transactions [6].
Through a systematic review of various methods of privacy including symmetric encryption (e.g., AES), asymmetric
encryption (e.g., RSA), end-to-end encryption (E2EE), homomorphic encryption, and blockchain encryption which this
paper aims to develop an understanding of their strengths in fintech, limitations and practical applications. Each method
of encryption offers unique benefits tailored to the specific security requirements and business conditions in the digital
financial industry [7]. By carefully analyzing these options, fintech industry stakeholders can make informed decisions
on encryption strategies that not only strengthen security protection but also comply with legal and regulatory
compliance standards as well as meeting the user’s expectations regarding data privacy.
Additionally, as technological developments continue to shape the cybersecurity landscape, this paper will explore
emerging trends and innovations in encryption technology. These include the development of post-quantum
cryptography, the use of artificial intelligence for adaptive security measures, and advances in privacy protection
techniques aimed at strengthening the security of financial data against increasing cyber threats. [8]. As fintech
applications continue to evolve and expand, the importance of strong financial data security cannot be overstated.
Encryption techniques play an important role in protecting sensitive information, enabling secure digital transactions,
preserving the trust and confidence of stakeholders in the fintech ecosystem [9]. This review article aims to add to the
existing discussion on cybersecurity in Fintech by clarifying the nuances of encryption techniques and their
implementations. It also provides suggestions and insights to improve data protection policies in the face of a constantly
evolving technological environment. [10].
Symmetric encryption is essential for protecting data while it's in transit and at rest in the context of Fintech
applications [14]. It is used to encrypt sensitive financial documents that are sent across networks or kept on servers,
as well as payment information, user credentials, and transaction details. Symmetric encryption's efficiency and speed
make it ideal for secure data storage and real-time transaction processing in mobile payment apps and digital banking
systems. [15].
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Leading asymmetric encryption techniques include RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC),
and Diffie-Hellman key exchange. RSA is primarily known for its role in digital signatures and secure data
communications [17] [18]. ECC provides the same security in smaller key sizes, making it more suitable for
environments where high-volume applications such as mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Diffie-
Hellman Key Exchange facilitates the shared private key will be transferred securely between two parties on an
unsecured channel.
For securing financial transactions in Fintech, asymmetric encryption ensures confidentiality and integrity throughout
the transaction lifecycle. [19]. It enables secure communication channels, verifies digital signatures to authenticate
transaction participants, and facilitates key exchanges. The public key infrastructure (PKI) framework underpinning
asymmetric encryption provides a scalable mechanism for managing cryptographic key certificates, which is essential
for maintaining trust in digital financial transactions [20].
An example of hybrid encryption techniques is to use RSA or ECC for key exchange followed by AES for data payload
encryption. [22]. This approach ensures that sensitive financial information remains secure during transmission and
storage and complies with legal requirements and privacy standards for Fintech applications.
Developing strong security architectures for Fintech requires an awareness of the subtleties and uses of symmetric,
asymmetric, and hybrid encryption (public-key encryption) [23]. Within the changing environment of digital financial
services, each encryption approach offers unique benefits suited to certain security requirements, operational settings,
and regulatory compliance concerns. [24]. Through the appropriate use of encryption techniques, Fintech companies
may enhance data security protocols, cultivate consumer confidence, and alleviate the hazards linked to cyberattacks
and data breaches [25].
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hardware security modules (HSMs). To restrict the amount of data exposed, access control techniques enforce the least
privilege principle by ensuring that only authorized users and apps may decrypt and access encrypted data [31].
4. Case Studies
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with a smooth and frictionless user interface is essential to maintain user trust and adoption of Fintech applications
[42].
New developments in privacy-preserving technologies, such as zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) and secure multi-party
computing (MPC), allow for data analysis and cooperation without disclosing private information. [48]. These
technologies enable safe data sharing and processing while guaranteeing data confidentiality and supporting privacy-
enhancing features in Fintech apps. In addition to cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology continues to evolve in terms
of conceptualization methods, scalability solutions, and privacy enhancements (e.g. private transactions). Blockchain-
based encryption solutions for financial transactions, smart contracts and digital identities provide a decentralized and
indestructible platform, which increases transparency and trust in the Fintech ecosystem. [49]. Collaboration between
fintech companies, cybersecurity experts, academia and law enforcement are critical to innovate and establish best
practices in encryption. Sharing insights, collaborating on research, and exchanging knowledge provides a strategy to
address emerging cybersecurity challenges and improve encryption capabilities in Fintech. [50] [51] [52].
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, this study examined the important role of encryption techniques to protect financial information in
Fintech applications, and highlighted the importance of protecting privacy, integrity and availability. Encryption is a
foundational pillar of cybersecurity in fintech, reducing the dangers brought on by cyberattacks, illegal access, and data
breaches. AES is an example of symmetric encryption, which offers effective data protection appropriate for safe data
storage and real-time transaction processing. Secure communication channels, digital signatures, and key exchange
mechanisms are all essential for confirming identities and protecting financial transactions. These are supported by
asymmetric encryption, such as RSA and ECC, hybrid encryption techniques combine the strengths of symmetric and
asymmetric encryption for better security and efficiency in data encryption and transmission. These mechanisms help
protect sensitive financial information across various fintech platforms, including mobile payment apps, online banking
portals and cryptocurrency exchanges. The crucial role of encryption in fintech cannot be overstated. It not only protects
financial information from unauthorized access but also builds user confidence, enhances compliance, and supports
innovation in digital financial services. As fintech continues to evolve, collaboration between academia, industry
stakeholders and policymakers is essential for research, innovation and robust adoption of encryption standards.
In conclusion, encryption is necessary to protect financial information in fintech applications, and it is a set of
cybersecurity techniques aimed at protecting sensitive information, preserving privacy, and enabling innovation largely
in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
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