Encryption
Implement encryption for data at rest and in transit. Use transparent data encryption (TDE) to encrypt data files, preventing unauthorized access to data even if the storage media is compromised. Additionally, enable SSL/TLS to encrypt data transmitted between clients and the database server. Encryption is a critical security measure that converts plaintext data into ciphertext using cryptographic algorithms. This process ensures that even if an unauthorized entity gains access to the data, it won’t be able to understand it without the decryption key. Encryption is essential to protecting data confidentiality, both at rest and in transit.
Types of encryption include the following:
- Symmetric encryption: In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. While it’s efficient, securely distributing the key to all parties can be challenging.
- Asymmetric encryption (public key encryption): Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Public keys can be openly shared, while private keys are kept secret.
- Hybrid encryption: This combines both symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Data is encrypted with a symmetric key, and then the symmetric key is encrypted with the recipient’s public key.
In the realm of data security, two fundamental aspects play a critical role—encryption at rest and encryption in transit. Encrypting data at rest involves securing information stored on various media, such as hard drives and databases, safeguarding it from unauthorized access in scenarios of theft or compromise. On the other hand, encryption in transit ensures the protection of data during its transmission between systems or over networks, thwarting potential eavesdropping and interception threats. These encryption practices are foundational in fortifying data integrity and confidentiality across storage and communication channels, contributing significantly to overall data security protocols.
Encryption at rest
Encrypting data at rest involves encrypting data stored on storage media such as hard drives, databases, and cloud storage. This prevents unauthorized access to data in case the physical storage medium is stolen or compromised.
Encryption in transit
Encryption in transit ensures that data is protected while being transmitted between different systems or over networks. This prevents eavesdropping and data interception during transmission.
Popular encryption algorithms
In the landscape of cybersecurity, the deployment of robust encryption algorithms is paramount for ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. Among the most widely adopted encryption algorithms, some of them are as follows:
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): This symmetric encryption algorithm is extensively utilized for securing data both at rest and in transit, offering a high level of protection.
- Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA): As an asymmetric encryption algorithm, RSA plays a crucial role in secure key exchange and the implementation of digital signatures, providing a foundation for secure communication.
- Diffie-Hellman: Serving as a key exchange protocol, Diffie-Hellman plays a pivotal role in securely sharing symmetric encryption keys across potentially insecure channels, contributing to the establishment of secure connections. These encryption algorithms form the backbone of modern cryptographic practices, underlining their significance in safeguarding digital assets.