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Cloud Encryption vs Traditional Encryption

October 15, 2021

Cloud Encryption Vs Traditional Encryption

When it comes to data security, encryption is one of the most effective methods of protecting sensitive information. Encryption is the process of encoding the data in such a way that only authorized parties with the right encryption key can decode and read the data.

There are two types of encryption methods that organizations use to secure their data: cloud encryption and traditional encryption.

In this blog post, we’ll provide a factual comparison between cloud encryption and traditional encryption, to help you understand the differences between the two and their advantages and disadvantages.

Traditional Encryption

Traditional encryption is a method where data is encrypted and decrypted locally on a device or a server. The encryption is applied to the data owner's device or server, and the decryption process is also performed on the same device or server.

One significant advantage of traditional encryption is that the encryption key is never shared with third parties, putting the data owner in control of their data. Additionally, traditional encryption can be applied to data in transit and data at rest, making it an excellent option for organizations that prioritize security.

However, traditional encryption comes with some disadvantages. Updating and maintaining the encryption rules across multiple devices can be challenging, and it can be time-consuming to manage updates and ensure that all devices are updated with the necessary encryption changes. Additionally, if a device is compromised, the data on that device may be accessed without authorization, despite the encrypted status.

Cloud Encryption

Cloud encryption, on the other hand, is a method where data is encrypted and decrypted in the cloud environment rather than on a local device or server. In this method, data is secured by a cloud service provider (CSP), and the encryption is performed when the data is moved into the cloud environment.

Cloud Encryption offers some significant advantages over traditional encryption. One major benefit of cloud encryption is the ease of implementation, and the fact that the encryption rules and updates are maintained by the CSP, reducing the need for local resources. Additionally, cloud encryption provides better access controls, enabling authorized users to access the data based on defined permissions.

However, there are some disadvantages to using cloud encryption. Since the data is in the cloud environment, access to the encryption keys is managed by the CSP, making it difficult for data owners to maintain control of their data. Also, there is always the risk that third parties could access or compromise the data, which could lead to data breaches or loss.

Costs Comparison

Cost is one of the factors that an organization should consider when choosing an encryption method. Traditional encryption is generally more economical than cloud encryption, since it involves using existing resources, and there is little to no additional cost. However, if an organization chooses to encrypt data in the cloud environment, they will need to pay for the services of the cloud service provider to maintain the encryption and provide access to the data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both traditional encryption and cloud encryption have their advantages and disadvantages. The best method for an organization depends on the level of control over their data that they require, the level of security they need, their budget, and other factors.

Organizations that require complete control over their data and do not have budget constraints may prefer traditional encryption, while cloud encryption may be more suitable for organizations that want to reduce local resource needs and gain from better access controls.

Nonetheless, it's essential to consider your organization's data protection needs and select the encryption method that best satisfies those needs.

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