Cloud encryption solutions encrypt data stored in (or moving between) cloud environments so that it can only be read by someone with the key to decode the information. A complex algorithm encrypts the data, turning it into ciphertext—which looks like a scramble of random letters and numbers. The data is then either stored securely in its ciphertext format until the owner enters a password called a decryption key to decrypt it. Alternatively, in the case of a message, the ciphertext is sent to the message recipient, who has the decryption key and can make sense of the message. Decryption changes the scrambled ciphertext back into plaintext, so it once again becomes readable.
Encrypting your organization’s cloud data means that if an attacker gains access to it, they won’t be able to actually read it. This can not only help mitigate your business’ risk of a data breach, but it can also help you achieve (and prove) compliance with data protection standards. Some regulatory bodies expect specific types of data – such as PII, PHI, or payment card information—to be stored in specific ways.
Ensuring that your encryption solution conforms to regulatory expectations can help you avoid hefty fines and litigation fees if you do suffer a cyberattack. But saving on compliance fines isn’t the only way encryption can help you save money. By allowing you to securely send, sign, and store documents virtually, encryption reduces the need for hard copies, meaning that you can save on printing and postage costs.
The best encryption solutions use FIPS-certified encryption standards to encrypt your data—at the time of creation. AES 128-, 192- and 256-bit are considered the most secure. Encryption solutions will use either use a symmetric encryption algorithm, in which the encryption and decryption keys are the same, or asymmetric encryption algorithm, in which the keys are linked, but different. An asymmetric algorithm is more secure, although it does take longer to encode that a symmetric algorithm.
Some cloud encryption solutions also offer additional security and management features, such as centralized key storage, integrations with your existing user management tools, and a self-service portal for end users to encrypt their data.
In this article, we’ll explore the top cloud encryption solutions for business. We’ll look at features such as encryption methods, key management, user management and authentication, and reporting. We’ll give you some background information on each provider and the key features of their solution, as well as the type of customer that they are most suitable for.
