A new study from InformationWeek found that companies are still utilizing encryption technologies as a part of their IT risk management strategies. Even as more companies migrate to mobile and cloud computing environments, encryption is used by more than 90 percent of survey respondents, which is significantly more than in 2009.

According to the report, Social Security numbers are encrypted by more than two-thirds of companies, while nearly half use the technology to keep up with the consumerization of IT and the increased adoption of mobile devices. This helps companies in the payment card industry strengthen their transaction management procedures through a number of different platforms.

PCI compliance is extremely important for businesses today. However, the study found that only slightly more than half of survey respondents encrypt credit card numbers. This suggests that organizations should take a stronger stance on IT risk management, especially when they deal with sensitive financial information.

Although data encryption has been around for decades, only high-end systems in banking, military or other sectors would use the technology. Recently, however, it is being used more often as companies acquire more personal information on customers, according to a Business Management report.