How do you encrypt data at rest?

1 Symmetric encryption

Symmetric encryption is a method that uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. The key is a secret string of bits that determines how the data is scrambled and unscrambled. Symmetric encryption is fast and efficient, but it has some drawbacks. You need to securely share and store the key with anyone who needs to access the data. If the key is compromised, the data is vulnerable. Some examples of symmetric encryption algorithms are AES, DES, and RC4.

2 Asymmetric encryption

Asymmetric encryption is a method that uses a pair of keys to encrypt and decrypt data. One key is public and can be shared with anyone, while the other key is private and must be kept secret. The public key is used to encrypt data, and the private key is used to decrypt it. Asymmetric encryption is more secure than symmetric encryption, because you don't need to share the same key with anyone. However, it is also slower and more complex. Some examples of asymmetric encryption algorithms are RSA, ECC, and DSA.

3 Hybrid encryption

Hybrid encryption is a method that combines symmetric and asymmetric encryption. It uses asymmetric encryption to exchange a symmetric key, and then uses symmetric encryption to encrypt and decrypt the data. This way, it achieves both speed and security, without the need to share or store the symmetric key. Hybrid encryption is widely used in protocols such as SSL/TLS, SSH, and PGP.

4 Encryption tools

Encryption tools are software applications that help you encrypt data at rest. They can be either built-in or third-party, depending on your device or platform. For example, Windows and Mac OS have BitLocker and FileVault, respectively, which are built-in tools that encrypt your entire hard drive. You can also use third-party tools such as VeraCrypt, AxCrypt, or 7-Zip, which encrypt individual files or folders. For cloud storage, you can use services such as BoxCryptor, Cryptomator, or Tresorit, which encrypt your data before uploading it to the cloud.

5 Encryption best practices

Encrypting data at rest is an essential tool for anyone who handles or stores sensitive information. To ensure its security, you need to follow some best practices and avoid common pitfalls. Make sure to choose strong and unique passwords or keys for your encryption tools, and change them regularly. Store the passwords or keys in a safe place, such as a password manager or a hardware device. Additionally, backup your encrypted data often, use reputable encryption tools that are compatible with your device or platform, encrypt only the data that is sensitive or confidential, and delete the unencrypted copies. Finally, educate yourself and your team on the basics of encryption and security awareness. With these methods and best practices in mind, you can protect your data from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. How do you encrypt data at rest? What tools or methods do you prefer? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.

6 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?