Living in a world of rapid technological changes, one of the things that is indispensable is data security. If you are a developer, chances are that you have at least some idea about cloud services and encryption. Here we will try to understand what is Azure Storage Encryption at Rest and why it is worth looking into.
What’s encryption, and why should we care?
Encryption simply means shuffling information so unauthorized users can’t read the original data. There is a secret code that only a person with the correct key can use and read the information data. It is just like sending a postcard, but in a language no one can understand unless they have your special decoder.
It solves the following problems:
- Keeps your data private, an unauthorized person cant get access to the correct information
- Protects it from hackers, even if someone steals it, it’s useless without the key.
- Helps instill confidence in your customers because their information is secure.
Significance of Cloud Encryption
Your data if stored in the cloud such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud, is stored on remote servers. Cloud encryption ensures that it’s secure even there. There are usually three types:
- Encryption in Transit: Protects data when data is in motion such as while uploading/downloading files.
- In-use encryption: It keeps the data secure when being accessed or processed.
- At-rest encryption: When data is just sitting in storage, this makes sure that your data is encrypted.
- With cyber threats on the rise and with privacy laws getting more significant, GDPR encryption is no longer optional, rather it is the first line of defense.
Azure Storage is the cloud-based file storage for Microsoft. Azure Storage can store files, databases, and even big video files. It is scalable from very small to very large and secure. It is one of the most important storage options available for various storage needs in an Azure application.
What Is Encryption at Rest?
Think of a vault full of confidential information, now imagine that a thief breaks in and finds all this information. Encryption at Rest protects the information in storage from being read by unauthorized persons without the correct key.
Azure Storage Encryption at Rest
Azure Storage makes encrypting at rest very easy. By default, all of your data is encrypted without doing anything additional. This indicates that every blob or file, queue or message, table, or structured data stored in Azure is secure.
Microsoft uses a super-strong algorithm called AES-256 encryption, which is also trusted by banks and governments. You can manage the encryption keys yourself, or let Azure handle them for you-a win-win for flexibility and control.
Why Does Encryption at Rest Matter
Let’s try to understand with some real-world scenarios:
Securing Customer Data in an E-commerce App
You are storing customer information, including names, addresses, and purchase history, in Azure Blob Storage. If there is encryption at rest, even if any miscreant gains access to storage, the data would be illegible without an encryption key.
Protecting Health Records
For a healthcare application, sensitive patient data must be stored. Encryption at rest ensures that the law is followed. If data is stolen, it will still be encrypted and therefore unreadable.
Backing Up Important Files
Consider a backup of your company’s financial records to Azure. Encryption at rest ensures those records are secure, even in the event of compromise of the storage location.
Important points about Azure Storage Encryption at Rest
- Key Management: Microsoft-managed keys offer simplicity, while BYOK enables customers to own encryption keys for tight control.
- Azure Key Vault Integration: Store and manage your encryption keys safely in Azure Key Vault.
- Resource Configuration: Configuration in storage account creation should be done via Azure Portal, CLI, or SDKs.
- Auditing and Monitoring: Utilize Azure Monitor and diagnostic logs to monitor the encryption activities, ensuring encryption activities occur within organizational security policies.
Encryption in the cloud is important for building a secure and reliable system. With Azure Storage Encryption at Rest, this encryption is easy to deal with and automated and you may focus on writing code rather than worrying about data breaches.
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