What are the best practices for encrypting data at rest and in transit?

1 Choose an encryption algorithm

An encryption algorithm is a set of rules that determines how data is transformed into ciphertext, the encrypted format. There are many encryption algorithms available, each with different strengths, weaknesses, and performance characteristics. Some of the most common encryption algorithms are AES, RSA, DES, and SHA. When choosing an encryption algorithm, you should consider factors such as the level of security, the speed of encryption and decryption, the compatibility with your database system, and the regulatory requirements. You should also use the latest and most updated version of the algorithm to avoid known vulnerabilities.

2 Use strong encryption keys

An encryption key is a piece of information that is used to encrypt and decrypt data. The key is usually a string of characters or a binary code. The strength of the key depends on its length and complexity. A longer and more complex key is harder to guess or crack by brute force attacks. You should use strong encryption keys that are at least 128 bits long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also change your keys regularly and store them securely in a separate location from the data.

3 Encrypt data at the source

Encrypting data at the source means applying encryption before the data leaves the device or the application that generates it. This ensures that the data is protected from the moment it is created until it reaches its destination. Encrypting data at the source reduces the risk of data leakage, tampering, or interception during transmission or storage. You should encrypt data at the source using built-in features of your database system or application, or using third-party tools or libraries that support encryption.

4 Encrypt data in transit with SSL/TLS

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that provide encryption and authentication for data in transit over a network or a communication channel. SSL/TLS creates a secure connection between the sender and the receiver of the data, preventing anyone from eavesdropping, modifying, or impersonating the parties. You should encrypt data in transit with SSL/TLS whenever you transfer data between your database server and your client, or between your database server and another server. You should also use the latest and most secure version of SSL/TLS and verify the certificates of the parties involved.

5 Encrypt data at rest with TDE

TDE (Transparent Data Encryption) is a feature that encrypts data at rest on the disk or the media where it is stored. TDE encrypts the entire database file or the individual data blocks, making them unreadable without the encryption key. TDE does not require any changes to the database schema, the application code, or the queries. TDE also encrypts the database backups and the transaction logs, providing a comprehensive protection for data at rest. You should encrypt data at rest with TDE if your database system supports it, or use other methods such as file system encryption or disk encryption.

6 Test and audit your encryption

Testing and auditing your encryption is essential for ensuring that your encryption works as expected and meets the security standards and the compliance regulations. Testing and auditing your encryption involves verifying the encryption algorithm, the encryption key, the encryption process, and the encryption result. You should test and audit your encryption before deploying it to production, after making any changes to it, and on a regular basis. You should also use tools and methods that can detect and report any encryption errors, breaches, or anomalies.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?