IBM has unveiled a toolkit for developers to start implementing homomorphic encryption on macOS and iOS.

Homomorphic encryption is an exciting evolution of encryption technology that allows authorized individuals to manipulate encrypted data without decrypting it. Any computations performed on the data will provide the same results as if they had been performed on an unencrypted copy.

This has tremendous benefits to data security, as the decryption step is a weak point in the process. Once data is decrypted in traditional encryption methods, anything can happen to it. Homomorphic encryption, however, ensures it remains protected, while still being able to be used.

“FHE is particularly suited to industries which are regulated and make use of private, confidential and ‘crown jewel’ data, such as finance and healthcare, since the technology can make it possible to share financial information or patient health records broadly while restricting access to all but the necessary data,” writes IBM’s Flavio Bergamaschi.

While adopting homomorphic encryption will require rethinking the entire security process, its advantages would seem to be well worth it.