The encryption process protects against theft by converting data into a code that is only readable with the right decryption keys. It is almost impossible for non-authorized parties to access the data without a decryption key. This is why encryption is crucial to secure sensitive data, whether in storage on the move, or at rest. It also helps businesses meet the requirements of regulatory compliance, such as HIPAA for medical data and PCI-DSS to protect payment card transaction information.
Unfortunately encrypted data is vulnerable to other types of attacks that don’t involve direct theft. For instance malicious actors who encode data may hold it hostage until the organization pays a ransom for the encryption key released. To stop this type of attack, businesses should encrypt their databases or disks when they are in rest. Techniques like full-disk (FDE) encryption or database-level encryption can be used.
Security access controls are an essential part of a comprehensive plan. They should be implemented at all points where your data is not encrypted, such as storage applications, apps, the network as well as your databases. This will ensure that no area in your system is left vulnerable to attackers who might gain access to encryption keys or encryption software.
Access control and encryption are security tools that have different characteristics. When used together, they provide a powerful defense against the most frequent cyberattacks. While encryption can safeguard your data from theft and tampering, it does not enforce the accountability that access control does – it simply encrypts all your data, ensuring that only those who have the proper decryption key can decipher it.
