Gartner predicts that by 2027, 90% of organizations will use hybrid clouds for their workloads and data storage. There is no argument that cryptographic key encryption is the gold data security standard. However, simply encrypting data may not be enough to ensure reliable protection, especially when storing data in the cloud. For stronger protection, data can be encrypted and decrypted locally (client-side encryption); therefore, the data never resides unencrypted in the cloud.
Introduction to Client-side Encryption
Client-side encryption raises the security bar and frustrates hackers because it doesn’t use cryptographic keys provided by the Cloud Service Provider (CSP). Keeping keys separated from the CSP avoids the chance of storing encryption keys alongside encrypted data. It prevents anyone who breaches your cloud environment from getting the data and the means to decrypt it. Unfortunately, it is an all-too-common occurrence for hackers to find encryption keys when they exfiltrate data from cloud storage.
For hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, client-side encryption provides independence from each CSP. Data can flow freely across provider storage solutions while always encrypted with your locally managed keys. Only the permitted clients can decrypt the data after downloading it to their local device.
Always Maintain Control of Your Data
Another advantage to client-side encryption is visibility into who is accessing data and ensuring that governments can’t access corporate data, even when your CSP is subpoenaed with a gag order (in the US) or using similar processes in other countries.
When the CSP performs encryption, it is called server-side encryption. It occurs after the cloud service receives the data and before it is written to storage. The CSP may hold the keys to encrypted data depending on the key management model. If a government agency compels them, they can hand over data without informing the data owner.
How to Select a Client-side Encryption Solution
Client-side encryption protects sensitive and business-critical data against unauthorized access and ensures that data remains protected on-premises and in the cloud. Since client-side encryption is performed outside any CSP, they can’t decrypt the data under any circumstance. Furthermore, management of the encryption keys is also handled on the client side, giving only the organization complete custody.
Advantages of well-architected client-side encryption solutions:
Transparent Encryption
Client-side encryption's transparent encryption experience makes security very easy for users because they are unaware of the encryption process. Client-side encryption solutions can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows.
Data Protection at Rest and in Motion
Since all files are encrypted and decrypted directly at the users’ endpoint (e.g., PC/Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone, Terminal Server) regardless of the storage destination (e.g., Cloud, Data Center, USB device, local drive), this ensures that data remains encrypted throughout data transfers and in all places (such as backups) where it rests. This process also safeguards data against unauthorized access and interception during transport between clients and storage.
Support for Compliance
Client-side encryption solutions support regulations, such as VS-NfD, TISAX, KHZG, DORA, NIS2, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, Philippines Data Privacy Act of 2012, PDPA Singapore, etc.
Role-based Access Management
Encrypted data can only be accessed and decrypted by users with corresponding access rights, creating a scalable role-based data access management system. Organizations decide which user groups have access to different data sets, which results in key management policies that ensure a transparent user experience.
Secure File Sharing
Robust role-based access management is extended to enable secure file sharing between internal and external entities. Password-based encryption is often the most practical technique for external entities.
Client-side Encryption from Utimaco
Utimaco is a leading provider of data security solutions, including client-side encryption with LAN Crypt File and Folder Encryption. To meet the broadest range of use cases, the solution is offered as an on-premises solution, in the cloud with File and Folder Encryption as a Service, and LAN Crypt 2Go for securely sharing files externally. Utimaco's Enterprise Secure Key Manager becomes the heart of your key management strategy by providing a single pane of glass for all cryptographic keys, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
The Role of Centralized Key Management
Flexible key management options are paramount when choosing a client-side encryption solution. For maximum control, employing an external key manager ensures complete control and management over encryption keys. Utimaco’s Enterprise Secure Key Manager is designed to meet the broadest security requirements, including multi-factor authentication, detailed logging, and customizable key rotation policies. It can easily be integrated with LAN Crypt File and Folder Encryption as external key storage to provide the highest key security and control levels. Moreover, it enables compliance with regulatory standards and ensures consistent control during CSP migrations and across multi-cloud environments.
Keeping encryption keys locally and separate from cloud-stored data maintains strong control over who can access data. Even if someone obtained the encrypted data, it remains unreadable without the locally stored keys that you control.
Download the LAN Crypt File and Folder Encryption datasheet or try the free trial to learn more about Utimaco’s solution for reliable file and folder encryption.
