Cloud Encryption; the Process of Encoding/Transforming Data Before It's Transferred to Cloud Storage

Businesses are increasingly adopting cloud encryption to protect their data from threats such as malware, data breaches, and unauthorized access to data by third parties. Cloud encryption is the process of converting data from its original plain text format to an unreadable format before it is transferred and stored in the cloud. Cloud always encrypts data on the server, before it is written to disk, at no additional charge. Cloud encryption essential because encrypting data ensures that even if data falls into the wrong hands, it is useless as long as its keys are protected.

This is beneficial especially when data is being stored in the cloud, as it protects the data in the event that the system, account, or a provider is compromised. Cloud encryption is the act of transforming sensitive data from an unreadable state, like plain text, into an encrypted state. As with any form of computer encryption, cloud encryption locks the data indecipherable and thus completely useless without the key-encryption keys. However, the encrypted data can also be decrypted back into plaintext if the appropriate decryption algorithm is used.

This makes cloud encryption very useful in situations where companies need to secure sensitive data in real time. For instance, if an end-user wish to transfer sensitive customer information from one location to another, they may wish to use the encrypted transport protocol to ensure that the information cannot be intercepted. The encrypted data will then be stored on the cloud and will be available to anyone who requests access via the web. As long as they have the key-encryption keys, they can easily access the stored data/content.

Thus, end-users are increasingly adopting cloud encryption to protect their sensitive data from unauthorized access. For example, in July 2018, U.S. government has introduced a new law, which absolutely makes the use of encryption of data in the cloud a prerequisite – the CLOUD Act, which in turn drives adoption of cloud encryption in the United States.