Cloud-based encryption as a service vs traditional encryption as a service
Recently, cloud computing has become an essential part of many organizations. However, as cloud usage has grown exponentially, so has the importance of cloud security. One of the significant concerns of cloud security is data protection, and encryption is an effective technique to protect sensitive data.
Two popular encryption methods are cloud-based encryption as a service (EaaS) and traditional encryption as a service (TaaS). In this blogpost, we will compare them, giving factual information and keeping it fun.
Cloud-based encryption as a Service
Cloud-based Encryption as a Service allows users to encrypt their data before storing it in the cloud. It involves software that encrypts data using algorithms that ensure only authorized persons can access the data.
Cloud-based EaaS has the following advantages:
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Cost-efficiency: Cloud-based EaaS comes with a pay-as-you-go model, so organizations only pay for what they use, reducing their expenses.
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Scalability and Availability: Cloud-based EaaS provides scalability, as users can scale up or down their encryption needs. Also, since the service is hosted in the cloud, it allows for increased availability and accessibility.
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Automatic Upgrades: Cloud-based EaaS providers continually upgrade their encryption algorithms, giving an enhanced data protection experience.
Traditional encryption as a Service
Traditional encryption as a service is a method of encrypting data that involves managing and maintaining encryption software and hardware by the organization. It allows organizations to have complete control of their encryption methods since it is not hosted in the cloud.
Traditional Encryption as a Service has the following advantages:
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Advanced customization: With traditional encryption, organizations have complete control over the encryption algorithms they use, allowing them to customize encryption according to their data protection needs.
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Data Control: With TaaS, organizations have complete control over their encryption keys, enabling them to decide who can access their data, creating secure environments.
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Long-term cost savings: Since traditional encryption is implemented in-house, over time, it proves more cost-effective than cloud-based EaaS, since it does not rely on a third-party's pay-as-you-go model.
A comparison of the services
| Aspect | Cloud-based Encryption as a Service | Traditional Encryption as a Service |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-effectiveness | Higher since it is a subscription-based model | Lower since the software is installed in-house |
| Scalability | Highly scalable | Scalable but requires investment in hardware and deployment |
| Customization | Limited customization options | Advanced customization options |
| Data Control | Limited control over encryption keys | Customizable encryption keys |
| Availability & Accessibility | Highly available and accessible | Relies on a stable, secure network |
Conclusion
Choosing the right encryption service for your organization is essential in protecting your data. If your organization requires scalability and cost-efficiency, then cloud-based encryption as a service will suffice. If your organization requires detailed customization and data control, then traditional encryption as a service is the way to go. The use case should drive the decision.
We hope this comparison was helpful and educational.
References
- Amazon Web Services. (2021). Cloud-Based Encryption: Safe, Secure, and Cost-Effective. AWS. https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/security/cloud-based-encryption-safe-secure-and-cost-effective/
- Microsoft. (2021). Encryption in the cloud. Azure. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/encryption-in-the-cloud/
- Thycotic. (2020). Encryption as a Service (EaaS) vs. Encryption in-house. Thycotic. https://thycotic.com/company/blog/2020/05/11/encryption-as-a-service-eaas-vs-encryption-in-house/