With the increasing use of digital technologies and data protection requisites through law enforcement, we face new security challenges that require innovative solutions. The good news is that we have a range of encryption technologies at our disposal that can help us safeguard our data and ensure its confidentiality. Different approaches to implementing data encryption have strengths and weaknesses, such as application-level, database-level, and file-level encryption. Whether you are a business owner, a developer, or simply someone who cares about protecting your sensitive information, you need to know the basics to make informed decisions about data protection.
So, let's take the first step towards a safer and more secure future!
Data encryption is a crucial aspect of modern cybersecurity best practices. It refers to converting sensitive information into an unreadable format, rendering it useless to unauthorised parties. This article compares three approaches to implementing data encryption: application-level, database-level, and file-level.
Application-level encryption
Application-level encryption is a process where the encryption logic is embedded into the application code. The encrypted data is decrypted only at the application layer, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected even when stored in the database or file system. This approach is beneficial for applications that require a high level of security, This approach is beneficial for applications that require a high level of security, such as those used in financial and healthcare services. The main advantage of application-level encryption is that it offers a higher level of control over the encryption and decryption process, allowing for more granular security policies.
Application-level encryption examples:
An e-commerce website that encrypts sensitive customer information, such as credit card numbers and addresses, before storing it in the database.
A healthcare application that encrypts patient health records before transmitting them over the internet to ensure their confidentiality.
Database-level encryption
Database-level encryption is a process where the encryption is applied at the database layer. The encrypted data is transparently decrypted when accessed by authorised applications, and the encryption keys are stored securely within the database. This approach is helpful for applications that require centralised management of encryption keys and for scenarios where the data is stored in the cloud. The main advantage of database-level encryption is that it eliminates the need for application-level encryption, making it easier to implement and maintain.
Database-level encryption examples:
A financial institution encrypts sensitive customer information stored in its central database to protect against unauthorised access.
An online service provider that encrypts its customers' personal data stored in its databases in the cloud to meet regulatory requirements (ie. GPPR, CCPA).
File-level encryption
File-level encryption is a process where the encryption is applied at the file system level. The encrypted files can be decrypted by authorised users using a password or encryption key. This approach is useful in scenarios where data needs to be stored securely on mobile devices or removable media and where data is stored in the cloud. The main advantage of file-level encryption is its high flexibility, as encrypted files can be easily moved or transferred between different systems.
File-level encryption examples:
A journalist who encrypts sensitive documents stored on a laptop or removable media to protect their confidentiality.
A salesperson who encrypts important business files stored on a mobile device to protect them against theft or loss.
What should I use to protect my data?
The choice between the different approaches to data encryption will depend on the specific security requirements and the application's architecture. Application-level encryption offers the highest level of control, while database-level encryption is easier to implement and maintain. File-level encryption provides the greatest flexibility, making it the best choice for scenarios where data needs to be stored securely on mobile devices or removable media. Is there a way to join these types of encryption in a solution?
Well, as the importance of data protection continues to grow, it's essential to choose the right approach to implementing encryption that meets your specific needs. While there are several options available, as mentioned above, it's essential to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each one to make an informed decision.
If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to protect your sensitive information, we invite you to learn more about Vaultree's encryption solution. With its fully functional data-in-use encryption, Vaultree allows companies to perform daily operations without interruption while protecting sensitive data. Whether you're storing sensitive information in a database, file system, or application, Vaultree provides security because it enables organisations to use their data while fully encrypted. Its fully functional data-in-use encryption capability allows companies to use their sensitive information without disrupting their workflow, including data-privacy by design in the application development cycle. The encryption takes place seamlessly in the background, ensuring that the data remains secure and confidential at all times, in compliance with the GDPR and other regulations. Take advantage of this opportunity to take the next step towards a safer and more secure future.
About Vaultree Ltd.
Vaultree has developed the world's first Fully Functional Data-In-Use Encryption solution that solves the industry's fundamental security issue: persistent data encryption, even in the event of a leak. Vaultree enables enterprises, including those in the financial services and healthcare /pharmaceutical sectors, to mitigate the great financial, cyber, legal, reputational, and business risk of a data breach. With Vaultree, organisations process, search and compute ubiquitous data at scale without ever having to surrender encryption keys or decrypt server-side. If a leak occurs, Vaultree's Data-In-Use Encryption persists, rendering the data unusable to bad actors. Integrating Vaultree into existing database technologies is seamless, requiring no technology or platform changes. Google and other data-driven companies worldwide trust Vaultree to safeguard sensitive data. Vaultree is a privately held company based in Ireland and the U.S. For more information, please visit www.vaultree.com.
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